CMYK vs. RGB: A Business Owner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Colors
I hope you all had a great holiday season! As we start a brand new year, I wanted to begin with a topic that I think every business owner and designer should know: understanding the difference between CMYK and RGB. If you’ve ever wondered why your prints don’t look the same as they did on your screen, you’re not alone! This post will break it all down so you know exactly when and how to use these color systems in your designs.
What Are CMYK and RGB?
Let’s start with the basics. CMYK and RGB are two different color systems, or “gamuts,” used in graphic design. Each serves a specific purpose depending on how your final design will be used—on a screen or in print.
CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (fun fact: the “K” stands for “key,” which is black ink used to align the other colors during printing). This color system is used for anything that will be printed—business cards, brochures, packaging, you name it. CMYK works by layering ink colors to create a subtractive color mix—when combined, all colors form black.
RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. This system is used for anything displayed on a screen, like websites, social media graphics, and presentations. Unlike CMYK, RGB uses additive color mixing—combining all three colors produces white light. Because it’s based on light, RGB creates much brighter, more vibrant colors than CMYK ever could.
Why Does This Matter?
Here’s where the confusion happens: RGB can display colors that are so vivid they fall outside of the CMYK spectrum. If you design something in RGB and then print it using CMYK, you’ll often end up with colors that look muted or dull. That’s why it’s so important to design in the correct color system from the start.
When Should You Use CMYK vs. RGB?
The simplest way to remember is this:
CMYK: Use this for anything that will be printed.
RGB: Use this for anything that will be displayed on a screen.
Practical Tips:
When designing for print, set your design software to CMYK mode from the beginning to avoid color surprises later.
For digital designs, stick with RGB to take advantage of its brightness and vibrancy.
Where Does Pantone Fit Into This?
Let’s take a quick detour to talk about Pantone (also called Spot Colors). Pantone is a special color matching system used to ensure color accuracy and consistency across both print and digital mediums. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “My brand’s color is Pantone 186,” they’re referring to this system.
Why Use Pantone?
Consistency: Pantone ensures your colors look the same, whether they’re on your business cards, packaging, or even signage.
Expanded Options: Pantone offers specialty colors—like metallics and fluorescents—that CMYK can’t replicate.
Important Note:
Not all printers can print Pantone colors! Digital printers typically use CMYK only, while offset printers are required for true Pantone output. If your printer doesn’t support Pantone, they can often convert it to CMYK, but the results may not always be exact.
Tips for Working Across Both Systems
Sometimes, your designs will need to work in both CMYK and RGB—for example, a logo that will be used on your website and printed on business cards. Here are some tips to make that transition smoother:
Start with CMYK: It’s easier to convert CMYK to RGB than the other way around.
Use Soft-Proofing: Most design programs, like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, let you preview how RGB colors will look in CMYK. Use this to avoid surprises!
Work with a Designer: If color consistency is critical (like for branding), a professional designer can help ensure your colors stay consistent across formats.
Getting the Colors Right
Understanding CMYK, RGB, and even Pantone doesn’t just make you a more informed designer or business owner—it saves you time, money, and headaches. The right color system can make all the difference in how your designs look, whether they’re printed or displayed online.
If you’re working on a project and aren’t sure where to start with color, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Let’s make this year the most vibrant one yet!
