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CMYK vs RGB: Which Color Mode Should You Use?
Short Summary: RGB is for screens, CMYK is for printing. Learn how color mode affects your final print results and how to avoid surprises.
In this article
Color mode affects how your colors appear on screen vs in print.
RGB (Screen colors)
RGB is used for:
- Websites
- Phones
- Monitors
- Social media
RGB looks brighter because screens emit light.
CMYK (Print colors)
CMYK is used for:
- Flyers, business cards, brochures
- Stickers and packaging
- Posters and banners
Printing uses ink, so colors are naturally different than screen.
What you should do
- For print, CMYK is preferred
- If your file is RGB, we can usually convert it — but the colors may shift slightly.
Common examples
- Neon bright colors on screen may look more muted in print.
- Very dark blacks may need “rich black” for better depth.
Pro tip
If exact color matching matters, ask about:
- Pantone
- Proofing
- Printed sample check
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