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What Is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

What Is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

If you’ve ever sent artwork to print and been surprised by how the colours looked, or wondered why designs appear brighter on screen than on paper, the answer often comes down to RGB vs CMYK.


These are two different colour modes used for different purposes. Understanding when and why to use each one is essential for keeping your brand colours consistent and professional across digital and print.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.



What Is RGB?

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. This colour mode is used for anything that appears on a screen — including websites, social media, digital ads, and presentations.


RGB works using light. Screens emit red, green, and blue light at varying intensities, which combine to create millions of colours. When all three colours are combined at full strength, they create white light.


Best for:

  • Websites

  • Social media graphics

  • Digital ads

  • Screens, monitors, TVs, and phones


In summary:

RGB = light-based colour for digital use. It produces bright, vibrant colours that are ideal for screens.


What Is CMYK?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This colour mode is used for print.


Unlike RGB, CMYK works using ink, not light. Printers layer cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink onto paper to create colour. Because ink absorbs light rather than emitting it, CMYK colours tend to look more muted than RGB.


Black (K) is added separately because combining cyan, magenta, and yellow alone doesn’t produce a deep, clean black.


Best for:

  • Business cards

  • Flyers and brochures

  • Packaging

  • Signage

  • Any printed material


In summary:

CMYK = ink-based colour for print. It’s designed for physical materials, not screens.


Key Differences Between RGB and CMYK

Feature

RGB

CMYK

Colour method

Light-based

Ink-based

Best used for

Digital screens

Print materials

Colour range

Wider and brighter

Smaller and more muted

Black colour

Made by light absence

Printed using black ink

File setup

Web and screen files

Print-ready files

Why Colours Look Different in Print vs Screen

One of the most common issues clients encounter is colour shift — when a design looks vibrant on screen but duller once printed.


This happens because:

  • RGB can display colours that CMYK physically cannot reproduce

  • Screens emit light, while paper reflects it

  • Paper type, ink coverage, and printer settings all affect the final result


This is why designs should always be prepared in the correct colour mode from the start, depending on where they’ll be used.


Which One Should You Use?

  • Use RGB for anything digital

  • Use CMYK for anything being printed


For branding, it’s best practice to have:

  • RGB colour values for digital use

  • CMYK colour values for print

  • HEX codes for web

  • Pantone colours when colour accuracy is critical


This ensures your brand looks as consistent as possible across every platform.


Final Thoughts

RGB and CMYK serve different purposes — neither is better than the other. The key is using the right colour mode in the right context. When set up correctly, your designs will look intentional, professional, and consistent whether they’re viewed on a screen or held in someone’s hands.


Need Help Managing Brand Colours Across Print and Digital?

At Toca, we create brand systems that work seamlessly across websites, social media, and print. From colour palettes to print-ready files, we make sure your brand shows up looking confident and consistent everywhere.


Let’s build something great together.


 
 
 

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