Cyan

What Cyan is

Cyan is a free, open-source desktop image viewer and converter designed for prepress print work. It handles RGB, CMYK, and GRAY images, can convert between those color modes, and can change image bit depth. Cyan accepts PNG, JPEG, TIFF, XCF, and PSD files, and can output TIFF, JPEG, and PSD.

For color-managed work, Cyan supports ICC/ICM v2 and v4 profiles. It can extract an embedded profile, add a profile to an image, and edit profile tags. The application also handles layers in TIFF, XCF, and PSD files and provides import and export integration with GIMP. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is a desktop application rather than a web app. Cyan is governed by the CeCILL license, which permits use, modification, and redistribution under its terms. There is no free trial because the software is offered as a free plan.

Who it suits

Cyan suits people preparing images for print who need RGB, CMYK, or grayscale conversion and profile tools. It may also fit users working with supported layered files or GIMP.

Limits

Cyan is free under its free plan. The listed output formats are TIFF, JPEG, and PSD, and it is not offered as a web application.

Getting started

1. Open the Cyan website
2. Choose the desktop version for Linux, macOS, or Windows
3. Install and launch Cyan
4. Open a PNG, JPEG, TIFF, XCF, or PSD image
5. Convert its color mode or bit depth and save as TIFF, JPEG, or PSD

Verdict

Cyan focuses on image conversion and profile handling for prepress work, with broad desktop operating-system support. Check its supported input and output formats against the files in your workflow.