November 24th, 2017
CMYK vs RGB
Explaining the difference between CMYK and RGB.
One of the issues I’ve come across in my time as a graphic designer and a large format print production specialist is the CMYK vs RGB.
In the simplest of explanations, CMYK is for print, and RGB is for web. As long as designers remember that simple rule the errors that result decrease immensely.
And here is the reason why, Red, Green, and Blue are considered additive colors. Anything you see on your computer monitor, or in the real world, has colors added to it. They all start out black, and as light is emitted RGB creates the colors you see! There is a lot of the visible spectrum available when light is emitted in order to create what you see.
Below is an image representing RGB. As more light is emitted the colors mix to the point where they create white. When the light is removed, the color is black(such as if you turn off your monitor or lights in the room).
CMYK however is the opposite in a sense. Despite a light source being involved to see the CMYK image; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black are considered subtractive colors.
The CMYK colors are subtracted from white light in order to create a color. When C:10%-M:10%-Y:10%:-K:100% is mixed together, you get a solid black. When C:100%-M:100%-Y:100%-K:0% are mixed together you get a dark muddy brown(almost black but not quite right). Mixing C:0%-Y:100%-M:100%-B:0%, your result will be red.
More CMYK is mixed in varying degrees to create the color you are going for, and the less CMYK involved, the lighter the result.
The visible spectrum that can be created with CMYK is limited by far when compared to RGB.
Why does the difference between CMYK and RGB matter you may ask.
When a designer creates a beautiful graphic with RGB that looks amazing on a monitor, or phone, or TV, the printing process will print something far different. Generally the image printed will look duller, and have far less “pop” and effect.
Take the following two images for example. When a file is created in RGB, say 3 boxes at 1R, 1G, 1B, and the file is saved. The colors look correct.
However, when the same RGB is altered to a CMYK profile, the colors change drastically!
This is how printing RIP(Raster Imaging Processor) processing programs work. They convert an image and break it down to CMYK values. Therefore, your wonderful picture that you created which displays in all its glory on the web and varied computers, will turn out muddy and duller in the print world.
If in doubt as to whether your print will come out when printed
ask your print provider for what they desire your format to be in. Some printers have RIP profiles that can process RGB in an acceptable process to create a CMYK, but honestly, most printers do not have this ability. And after you spend hours on hours adjusting your image to print, not only will you be frustrated, but chances are you will have extra fees charged for the printer to constantly run checks.
Here is a list of steps you can make to successfully print
- Create separate CMYK and RGB artwork. This will allow you to have a web version, and a print version
- Purchase a pantone book and choose a color. If you purchase a Pantone book that shows a Pantone color and then a CMYK version, you will be able to get a ‘closest match’
- Explain to your client the issues that may arise before print. Usually the client will be the one that demands a particular color and needs to be educated in why it is not happening
- Contact your printer and speak with them. Most times a proper print shop with educated employees will be able to assist you and give you pointers.
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