RGB vs CMYK

The Color Battle.

 

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for digital screens.

When you mix these colors at full intensity, you get white.

Since screens emit light,

colors in RGB appear vibrant and bright.

 

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for printing.

These colors are mixed together on paper or vinyl

and the more ink you add, the darker the result.

 

CMYK works by absorbing light instead of emitting it,

which is why prints often look more muted compared to what you see on your screen.

 

Why Print Colors Can Look Dull

 

Color Conversion Loss – When converting from RGB to CMYK, some bright colors (like neon shades) don’t translate well because the printer has a more limited color range.

 

Material Matters – Different paper types (glossy vs matte) absorb ink differently. Glossy paper can make colors pop, while matte paper might produce more subdued tones.

 

Ink Saturation – Some printers use different ink combinations, and cheaper inks might not be as rich in pigment.

 

Lighting Conditions – The way light reflects off a print vs. a screen can affect perception. Screens have backlighting, while prints rely on ambient light.