Why CMYK Color Mode Is Essential for Printing

Ever wondered why your prints don’t always match what you see on your screen? It all comes down to the difference between the colors on your screen (RGB) and the ones used in printing (CMYK). Let’s break it down and show you why starting with CMYK can make all the difference for your prints.
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When you're designing something that’s going to be printed, it’s super important to work in CMYK color mode. This gives you the closest match to how your colors will look once printed. Unlike RGB, which is perfect for screens, CMYK is made specifically for print, helping your colors turn out just right.

Note: This chart illustrates the difference between RGB and CMYK color modes. Notice how certain vibrant colors, especially greens, blues, and reds, appear more subdued when converted to CMYK. This highlights the importance of designing in CMYK when preparing files for print to ensure the most accurate color reproduction.

Take a look at this: RGB uses Red, Green, and Blue to create colors on your screen, while CMYK uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black for printing. Because these two color models work differently, certain vibrant colors—like greens, blues, and reds—might look a bit more subdued when switched from RGB to CMYK.

Curious about how your favorite colors might change from screen to print? Here’s a quick look at some common conversions:

We always recommend submitting your artwork in CMYK color mode. If you send it in RGB, we’ll convert it for you, but keep in mind that this can sometimes cause a slight shift in color. Different software might handle these conversions in unique ways, so starting in CMYK gives you more control over the final result.

RGB is fantastic for digital displays, but it doesn’t always translate well to print. Bright colors like greens and blues might lose some of their intensity when converted to CMYK, making them look a bit different on paper. If you submit your files in RGB, we’ll convert them to CMYK, but just know that the colors might not be exactly what you expected.
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Check out this example: On the left, you see a business card design in RGB, full of bright, bold colors. On the right is the same design after it’s been converted to CMYK. Notice how the colors look a little more muted? That’s the difference between screen colors and print colors.

To avoid any surprises, always design in CMYK. If you’re not sure how your colors will turn out, we suggest selecting “Online PDF Proof” when placing your order. This way, you can see how your colors will look after the conversion, before we start printing.

If you’re using Adobe Illustrator, it’s best to start by creating your file in CMYK mode to make sure your colors are optimized for print right from the start. Here’s how:

By starting in CMYK mode, you’ll have greater control over how your design will look when it’s printed.
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