CMYK Guide for Print
Understanding the difference between RGB and CMYK for successful print design.
RGB (Screen)
Red, Green, Blue
Additive color model. Used for digital displays. Mixing all colors creates white light.
- Best for web and digital
- Brighter, more vibrant colors
- Values: 0-255 per channel
CMYK (Print)
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Subtractive color model. Used for printing. Mixing all colors creates black.
- Best for physical printing
- More limited color gamut
- Values: 0-100% per channel
Pro Tip
Always convert RGB designs to CMYK before sending to print. Colors will shift, so preview CMYK mode in your design software to avoid surprises.
Common Issues
- Bright RGB colors look dull in print: This is normal. CMYK cannot reproduce the full RGB gamut.
- Rich blacks: Use C:60% M:40% Y:40% K:100% for deeper blacks.
- Spot colors: For brand colors, use Pantone spot colors for consistency.