Difference between CMYK and RGB in Print

Difference between CMYK and RGB in Print – CMYK and RGB are two different colour models used in various contexts, primarily in printing and digital media, respectively.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black):

Used in printing: CMYK is the colour model used in colour printing. It represents the four ink colours used in most printers:

Cyan (C)

Magenta (M)

Yellow (Y)

Key (Black) (K)

In this model, the colours are created by mixing these four inks in varying percentages. The more you mix the inks, the more colours you can create, but since printers use subtractive colour mixing (reducing light by layering inks), it’s important to note that colours appear darker as more ink is applied.

Why it’s used: Printing machines typically use four ink cartridges to produce full-colour images. In the CMYK model, colours are created by subtracting light from a white background, which is why it works well for print.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue):

Used in digital screens: RGB is the colour model used for displays like monitors, TVs, and digital cameras. It is based on the combination of three primary colours:

Red (R)

Green (G)

Blue (B)

In this model, colours are created by adding light in different intensities. When all three colours are combined at full intensity, you get white. When none of the colours are on, you get black. Since screens use light to display colours, RGB is an additive colour model.

Why it’s used: This model works well for anything that uses light to display colour, like screens and digital devices.

Key Differences Between CMYK and RGB:

CMYK is used for print because it works with ink and subtracts light, making it ideal for physical media.

RGB is used for digital devices, as it adds light to create colour, which works well for screens.

Conversion Between CMYK and RGB:

When designing for both print and digital, designers often need to convert between these two colour models to ensure the colours look good in both mediums. However, since they are based on different principles (subtractive vs. additive), some colours may look different when transferred between the two. This is why printed images sometimes appear darker than their digital versions.

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