In design work, RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) are two main color systems used for different purposes, You may hear your design team speaking of these when working on different projects or when they request a file or supply a file to you.
In short:
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
- Where it’s used: RGB is for digital screens like computer monitors, phones, and TVs.
- How it works: RGB adds colors together. It mixes red, green, and blue light in various amounts. When you combine all three at full strength, you get white.
- Best for: RGB suits designs meant for screens, such as website graphics, social media images, and digital ads.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)
- Where it’s used: CMYK is mainly for printed items like flyers, magazines, posters, and product packaging.
- How it works: CMYK takes colors away. It uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to reduce brightness from white paper, creating the colors you want.
- Best for: CMYK is crucial for any design headed to print. It helps ensure colors look right on paper.
Main differences:
- Use: RGB is for digital screens; CMYK is for printing.
- Color range: RGB can make more colors (and brighter ones) than CMYK. But colors might change when switching between them, as RGB has some colors CMYK can’t match.
- End product: Your project’s final form decides which color model to use. Designers often work in RGB for screen projects, then switch to CMYK for printing to get colors right.
Remember: pick RGB for digital designs and CMYK for print designs to get the best color results in each case.
P.S. Pantone/PMS is a whole ‘nother story!
