Question
What's the difference between RGB and CMYK, and why does it matter?
Answer
RGB and CMYK are two color systems, and using the wrong one is the top cause of print surprises. RGB (red, green, blue) is the additive model where screens mix emitted light, while CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is the subtractive model where presses layer ink on paper. Because screens emit light, they can show brighter, more saturated colors than ink can physically reproduce.
| Mode | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | Screens and digital displays | Mixes red, green, blue light (additive); a wider, brighter range of color |
| CMYK | Mixes cyan, magenta, yellow, black ink (subtractive); the four inks presses actually use |
- Design in RGB and send it to print, and bright blues, vivid greens, and neons can look duller than expected.
- Convert your artwork to CMYK before exporting to preview true printed color, and check those bright areas after converting.
- For color-critical pieces, designing in CMYK from the start avoids surprises entirely.
- This single step prevents the most common complaint in print production.
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