The difference between RGB and CMYK

Please Check Before Submitting Your Data

When preparing data for printing, it is extremely important to understand the difference between RGB and CMYK color modes to ensure the printed result matches your expectations.

RGB is a method of expressing color using the three primary colors of light: Red, Green, and Blue.

• Used for displays such as computer monitors, smartphones, tablets, and televisions
• Colors become brighter as light is added (additive color mixing)
• Has a wide color range and can reproduce bright, vivid colors

Main uses: websites, social media posts, digital ads, videos

CMYK expresses color by combining four inks: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and blacK.

• Used for printed materials such as flyers, posters, business cards, and catalogs
• As inks are layered, added color becomes darker (subtractive color mixing)
• Has a narrower color range compared to RGB

Main uses: general printed materials (offset printing, on-demand printing)

Printers reproduce color by layering four inks onto paper. For this reason, print data must be created in CMYK mode.
If data is submitted in RGB mode, it will be automatically converted to CMYK during printing, which may cause the following issues:

Possible Issues with RGB Submission

• Colors may become dull or darker: vivid colors seen on screen may print with a muted appearance
• Color shift: bright blues, greens, oranges, and fluorescent-like colors may change significantly
• Unexpected results: printed colors may differ noticeably from what you saw on your monitor

Q. I only have RGB data. Can I still submit it?

A. Yes, you can. However, because our system will automatically convert it to CMYK, color shifts may occur. Whenever possible, please convert your data to CMYK before submitting.

Q. Can printed colors match exactly what I see on my monitor?

A. Because monitors use light (RGB) and printing uses ink (CMYK),achieving a perfect match is difficult. Bright and vivid colors are especially prone to differences.