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RGB vs CMKY
Understand how colour works on screens and in print, and what to check before you prepare your artwork.
Two ways to create colour
These swatches illustrate the colour channels, not a print proof.
RGB
Red – Green – Bue
Screens create colour using light.
CMYK
Cyan – Magenta – Yellow – Black
Four-colour printing creates colour using ink.
Which one should I use?
A printed project does not always need to start as a CMKY file.
Websites & social media
Use RGB, sRGB is a common choice for web images.
Commercial print
Follow your printer’s requirements for colour profiles and PDF export.
Home & office print
RGB is often suitable. Let your chosen print workflow handle conversion.
Why can colours change in print?
A screen emits light. Paper reflects it.
Some bright screen colours cannot be reproduced by a particular printer, ink and paper combination.
Paper matters too.
The same artwork can look different on coated and uncoated stock. Use a proof when colour is critical.
Colour mode is only part of the story
There is no single CMYK profile that is right for every print job.
Colour mode
RGB or CYMK describes the colour mode.
Colour profile
An ICC profile describes how colour is interpreted for a particular colour space or output condition.
Soft proof.
A screen preview of an output profile, useful for checking likely changes before printing.
Working in Photoshop & InDesign
Assigning a profile and converting to a profile are different operations. Avoid changing profiles at random.
Photoshop
Keep an editible original. Use Convert to Profile when a colour-manged conversion is needed. Confirm the destination profile with your printer.
InDesign
A layout can contain RGB and CMYK assets. Follow your printer’s instructions for colour conversion and destination profile when exprorting the PDF.
Common mistakes to avoid
Expecting an exact screen match
Use a subtle proof for important colour decisions.
Choosing a profile by guesswork
Ask your printer which profile and export settings to use.
Converting back and forth
Keep the original and avoid unnecessary conversions.
Before you send the file
Confirm your printer’s colour requirements
Check the required PDF export settings
Review important colours with a proof
Keep an editable original
related guides
Bleed, trim & safe margins
View guide
Resolution explained
View guide
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