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March. 6, 2019
Why should you convert RGB to CMYK for print project?
- Let us first discuss the difference between RGB and CMYK mode. RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue and is defined as an additive color.
What this means that if you want to create another color, you combine different quantities of Red, Green, and Blue.RGB is also considered as the standard color mode on most applications, computer, and TV monitors. and even most photo editing software. CMYK, on the other hand, stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (also known as Black) and is defined as subtractive colors. This means that the more colors you add together, the darker the colors are going to be.
- To put it simply, RGB and CMYK work in an entirely different and opposite way. RGB refers to the primary colors of light while CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment. The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black.
- Nowadays, CMYK is not used that much because most of the home printers can now print using the full RGB spectrum. But for most commercial and professional printing companies, they still prefer CMYK. The most common problem that is being encountered when an RGB design is printed using the CMYK printing process is that the colors do not appear accurately. Meaning that when the image is displayed on the computer monitor, the print out might reflect different colors. What usually happens is the colors in the image that is in the RGB setting will look more vibrant than the colors in CMYK setting.
- The most asked question is, should you use RGB or CMYK when designing? But it really depends on how you intend on using the design (i.e., If it is going to be for a print ad or digital ad). For digital use, it is advisable to use RGB since it will reflect well on computer monitors. But if it is going to be designing for print, you may use CMYK color mode instead. However, most designers initially work with RGB then just convert it to CMYK before printing. The reason for this is for you to view the design in the RGB spectrum.
- Deciding when to use RGB or CMYK also depends on the colors of the image that you will be designing. If it is mostly dark (i.e., grey, black ), you probably want to use CMYK instead. Grey is one of the hardest colors to control during the printing process. Using RGB when printing the color grey would likely result in the image looking slightly pink than grey. There are also some cases where you do not need to convert from RGB to CMYK for printing. It will depend on how complex and detailed the design is.
- Just keep in mind that it is always best to run your designs with the printing company that you will be using before a full print run. Most companies would give you expert advice on how it could be done to best suit your needs.
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