What is the difference Between CMYK and RGB Colors?

If you’re a graphic designer or professional printer you surely know what these two terms mean, but for the rest of us here’s a simple explanation of these acronyms.

The terms CMYK & RGB refer to the colors used to render a displayed image. RGB is commonly used in Digital or electronic devices like Televisions, Computer Monitors or Digital Cameras. RGB uses the additive primary colors of Red, Green & Blue in different combinations and extremes to create all the colors of the spectrum!

This is the most common color format because it allows for the widest spectrum of colors and highest resolution.

CMYK is commonly used for printing purposes like business cards, flyers or clothing. CMYK uses the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black to create the necessary colors for the design. CMYK is used primarily for printing because of the way the printing machines process colors and apply them to paper or cloth.

CMYK print most accurately re-produces the colors on your screen onto the printed material, which is why it’s preferred by designers.

If you have any other questions about color modes or how to use them, please feel free to contact Brainy Beaver at any time!