RGB vs CMYK: What’s the Difference?
When designing for print, the colour mode you choose makes all the difference. Digital devices such as laptops, phones, and televisions rely on RGB (red, green, blue) to generate bright colours with light. In contrast, printing uses CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), combining inks on paper to match colours as closely as possible.
In short: RGB = digital, CMYK = print. To make sure your designs look right in print, always convert files to CMYK before sending them off.
What Is RGB?
RGB is a colour model based on light. By adjusting the intensity of red, green, and blue channels, digital devices can display millions of vivid shades. When all three combine at full brightness, you see pure white; when turned off, you get black.
That’s why websites, apps, and photos on your screen look so vibrant—they’re powered by RGB light.
But here’s the catch: printers don’t use light, they use ink. This means RGB files can’t be reproduced perfectly on paper. Failing to use CMYK before printing often leads to colours that look faded or inconsistent on paper.
What Is CMYK?
CMYK is the industry standard for print. Instead of mixing light, this model layers cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks on paper. The inks absorb light to create colour, which makes it possible to reproduce consistent results across business cards, posters, brochures, and packaging.
Designing directly in CMYK (or converting before printing) ensures your final product matches expectations and avoids the “washed out” look that can happen with unconverted RGB files.
Which Colour Mode Should You Use for Printing?
For printing, you should always use CMYK. This is the standard colour mode for the print industry because printers work with four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
If you send files in RGB, the colours on your screen may not match the final product. Bright digital shades like neon blues or vivid greens often look dull once converted. Converting your design to CMYK before printing ensures your posters, packaging, or business cards come out with accurate, consistent colours.
Quick rule to remember: RGB is for screens, CMYK is for print.
✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Colour Modes in Printing
✅ Always convert artwork to CMYK before sending to print.
✅ Soft-proof your file to preview how colours will look once converted.
❌ Don’t design in RGB and expect identical print results.
❌ Don’t rely on bright “digital-only” colours like neon or fluorescent shades.
Can RGB Files Be Printed?
Yes, RGB files can be printed, but the results are rarely accurate. Since printers use CMYK inks rather than RGB light, the colors in your digital file need to be converted. This conversion process almost always changes the way the final product looks.
For example, bright neon tones, vibrant blues, or glowing reds that look stunning on a screen often appear duller or flatter in print. A bright turquoise on your laptop may turn into a muted teal on paper, and a glowing pink could lose its intensity.
That’s why designers preparing files for print should always convert RGB designs into CMYK mode before sending them to the printer. It helps you see a closer preview of how the final colors will actually look and prevents costly surprises once the project is printed.
How to Check and Convert RGB to CMYK
Check the Colour Mode
• Photoshop: Look at the document tab (RGB/8 or CMYK/8).
• Illustrator: File > Document Color Mode.
• InDesign: File > Document Setup > Intent.
Convert to CMYK
• Photoshop: Image > Mode > CMYK Color
• Illustrator: File > Document Color Mode > CMYK
• InDesign: File > Document Setup > Intent: Print
After conversion, preview colours—especially logos or brand tones—and request a printed proof for critical projects.
Set Up Colour Mode in Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign
（When preparing a file for printing, it’s important to confirm you’re working in CMYK color mode instead of RGB. Here’s how to check and adjust in the most common design tools:
Adobe Photoshop
• Go to Image > Mode > CMYK Color
Adobe Illustrator
• Navigate to File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color
Adobe InDesign
• Select File > Document Setup > Intent: Print
By switching your file to CMYK before sending it to the printer, you’ll get a much more accurate preview of how your colors will appear in print. This simple step helps you avoid unpleasant surprises like dull tones or mismatched brand colors.
Get Accurate Print Colours
1 . Request a Proof – Always ask for a digital or physical sample before mass printing.
2 . Work in CMYK – Set your file to CMYK at the design stage to avoid surprises later.
3 . Calibrate Your Monitor – Adjust your screen so it reflects print colours more accurately.
4 . Double-Check Brand Colours – Review logos and key colours carefully; adjust if needed.
5 . Test on Final Material – Paper type and finish (matte, glossy, textured) can shift colours, so proof on the same stock.
FAQ: CMYK vs RGB in Printing
Q1. Why do colors look different when printed compared to the screen?
Because screens use RGB light, while printers use CMYK ink. Some bright RGB colors (like neon green or electric blue) cannot be reproduced exactly in CMYK, so they may look duller in print.
Q2. Does converting RGB to CMYK cause color loss?
Yes, some vivid tones lose intensity during conversion. Always design in CMYK or proof after conversion to adjust critical brand colors.
Q3. Which color mode should I use for printing in Photoshop?
Go to Image > Mode > CMYK Color. This ensures your file is ready for print.
Q4. How can I get the correct color when printing?
Work in CMYK, calibrate your monitor, and request a printed proof. For brand colors, provide Pantone codes to the printer when possible.
The Final Check for Perfect Prints
Before hitting print, confirm your file is in CMYK. Use RGB only for digital work. By checking your file settings and requesting proofs when needed, you’ll ensure your final product looks just as professional as you intended.