Hello everyone!
I have a question about how to correctly prepare a file for graphic printing in GIMP and would really appreciate it if you could guide me.
My Scenario: I originally created a design for the web, sized 1024px x 1024px at 72 ppi (dpi).
My Need: The client has now asked me to change this work so it can be printed in A3 format (297mm x 420mm).
What I have done so far:
I created a new canvas (a new file) in GIMP with the A3 size (297mm x 420mm).
I changed the X and Y resolution to 300 ppi (dpi), which is the standard for printing.
My Problem (The CMYK issue): I need to configure the CMYK color profile for the client, but I'm unable to.
When I go to Edit > Preferences > Color Management, all the profile items ("Working RGB Profile," "CMYK Profile," etc.) are set to "None".
When I click the arrow to try and choose a profile, the only option that appears is "Select color profile from disk...".
I thought GIMP would come with standard profiles, but I can't find any.
My Questions:
Is this normal? I'm using GIMP 3.0.6.
I am using Zorin OS 18 (which is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS).
How do I solve this CMYK profile issue?
Do I need to download and install a specific file?

Thanks for the help!

Maybe change the mode of your picture to Indexed?
Image - mode - index.
Otherwise if you have the plugin GMIC it may be able to help you with CMYK
As for profiles - in gimp you have to make them yourself I think - I do not use them so do not have any

No CMYK profile is normal. Gimp is a RGB editor and the only built-in profile is the Gimp sRGB.icc

You do need to ask the client which profile to use, you can often find here: https://www.color.org/registry/index.xalter otherwise for special purposes the printing co provides.

Gimp can export a CMYK file in certain formats - JPEG / TIFF / PSD

In pictures, set up a "soft-proofing" profile



For printing enable the cmyk option.



Just a comment on Gimp 3.0.6 A nice little addition where you can toggle softproofing on and off. With soft proofing on - lots of magenta - too many out of gamut bright colours, your design is not going to print very well.

Alternative. Krita can convert / work in CMYK and comes with some icc profiles.

Hello
Okay, I understand perfectly.
Thank you for the lesson.