Question
Why does my printed order have a different color than the online proof?
Answer
Screens and printed paper create color in completely different ways, so an online proof will rarely match your final print exactly.
| On screen | On paper |
|---|---|
| RGB light, backlit and vivid | CMYK ink on stock, reflected light |
| Varies by monitor and calibration | Consistent to the press profile |
- Bright screen colors can print duller because ink cannot emit light the way a display does.
- Online proofs are low-resolution previews meant for checking layout and orientation, not color accuracy.
- Screen brightness and calibration shift how colors appear before you ever print.
- For color-critical jobs, order a hard copy proof on the real stock before approving.
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