Designing for Success, CMYK vs RGB Artwork. Know the Outcomes

OPTION 1

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) are primary coloured lights for on screen colour reference on a mobile phone, computer monitor or television. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black)) are actual printing ink colours that are used to print on various substrates. Designing artwork in CMYK mode on screen will provide a more realistic reproduction of colours in the final print compared to RGB and what you see on screen. Converting from RGB to CMYK will result in unpredictable colour conversion so it’s always better to use CMYK from the start. 

OPTION 2

In the graphics and printing industries, RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) are two essential colour models with distinct uses. RGB is used for digital displays (screens, TVs, etc.), where colours are created through light in an additive model: red, green, and blue combine at varying intensities to form a wide range of bright, saturated colors. When mixed at full intensity, RGB produces white, while absence of light yields black. This model’s broad colour gamut allows for vibrant colours, ideal for digital media. In contrast, CMYK is designed for printing, where colours are produced by blending inks in a subtractive model. Combining cyan, magenta, and yellow in varying amounts absorbs light to create colours. Adding black (K) enhances depth and detail, which can’t be achieved with just cyan, magenta, and yellow. CMYK’s colour gamut is more limited than RGB, making it challenging to reproduce certain vivid tones (like neon greens) seen on screens. 

Converting RGB to CMYK often dulls colours, as certain RGB shades fall outside the CMYK range. For accurate print results, designers preview work in CMYK to adjust colours as needed. Print projects require careful colour management, including proofing and sometimes using spot colours (like Pantone) to achieve consistent results. In short, RGB suits digital projects with a wide colour range, while CMYK is essential for print work, with specific adjustments needed to bridge the gap between these two colour spaces. 

A message from the Art Department