CMYK vs RGB for Printing in Kempton Park
If you’re preparing designs for print in Kempton Park, knowing the difference between CMYK and RGB colour modes is essential. Colours that look perfect on your screen don’t always translate well to printed materials, and this usually comes down to whether your artwork is set up in CMYK or RGB. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CMYK vs RGB for printing so you get flawless results for your next project.
What is RGB?
Let’s start with what RGB is. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the primary colours of light used in digital displays like monitors, smartphones, and tablets. This colour model creates images by mixing these three light colours in various intensities, resulting in vibrant, glowing colours that look brilliant on screens.
RGB is perfect for anything intended to be viewed digitally, from websites to social media graphics. However, RGB isn’t designed for printing because it relies on light emission rather than ink. When you send RGB files to a printer in Kempton Park, the colours often come out duller or slightly off compared to what you see on screen.
What is CMYK?
Now, what is CMYK? CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This is the colour model used in printing, where inks combine in layers to produce the final image on paper or other materials.
Unlike RGB’s light-based system, CMYK uses subtractive colour mixing, where inks absorb light to create different shades. Because of this, CMYK colours tend to be less bright but are more reliable for print. For businesses and creatives in Kempton Park, working in CMYK or converting your files before printing ensures your materials come out with accurate, consistent colours.
Difference Between RGB and CMYK
The core difference between RGB and CMYK is how they produce colour and their intended use. RGB is an additive model, designed for digital screens by combining coloured light, whereas CMYK is subtractive, using inks to absorb light and display colour on physical materials.
This technical distinction means the difference between CMYK and RGB printing is significant — colours that appear vibrant in RGB often lose their brightness when printed in CMYK. That’s why it’s crucial to preview and adjust your artwork in CMYK before sending it to print.
In Kempton Park, where local businesses rely on professional print materials to make a great impression, understanding the difference between RGB and CMYK colour can save headaches, reduce waste, and guarantee your marketing collateral looks exactly as planned.
If you’re unsure which colour mode to choose or need help preparing your artwork for print, Minuteman Press in Kempton Park is ready to assist you. We’ll guide you through the CMYK vs RGB for the printing process to deliver outstanding, true-to-life colours every time. Get a free quote now.