🚀 go-pugleaf

Let's see:

1.) The Pantone "Bridge" swatches are or can be used in addition to existing Pantone libraries already installed with the application(s). This can be done whenever it's convenient.

2.) Your color settings actually should be setup before you start designing, preferably when you've completed the installs. The concern is your RGB settings when you created the .tif in Photoshop. A workaround would be to open the file and "Assign Profile", hypothetically this would update the file and be updated in InDesign as well. The export to PDF is correct as long as the same color settings are applied.

3.) Your color settings are a personal preference, however I'd choose: RGB space = Adobe RGB, CMYK space = SWOP coated or US sheetfed coated v2, select: Use Blackpoint Compensation, and 20% dot gain ( default ).

Always consult the online printer and see what they accept and ask them if they have a profile. If they do, you should be able to "Assign Profile" in InDesign.

The Pantone reference books are based on US Prepress workspaces and are the defacto standard in the industry, so you can trust them.

Remember, it would be prudent for you to get an accurate proof before sending the job online. This gives you the opportunity to "catch" whatever mismatches ( if any ) occur before it ( the job ) goes to press.