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What is the difference between RGB and CMYK, and which do you print in?
RGB is the colour mode for screens and CMYK is the colour mode for print. We print in CMYK, so create your artwork in CMYK to get the colours you expect. Bright RGB colours can look different when printed.
RGB and CMYK colour modes
RGB and CMYK make colours in different ways and are used for different things.
RGB: for screens
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used on computers, phones and TVs. The screen is backlit, so colours look bright and vivid.
CMYK: for print
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key, which is black) is used for printing. It works by subtracting colours from white light with ink, which is how physical prints work. All our stickers, such as Vinyl, are printed in CMYK. See CMYK in our Dictionary.
Why it matters
Colours that look bright in RGB on a screen may not be possible in CMYK. If your artwork is in RGB, the printed colours may not match what you saw. Create your artwork in CMYK from the start, or convert it before you upload. Read how to prepare your files for CMYK printing.
Rich black
For the deepest black in CMYK, use 40% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 40% Yellow and 100% Black. Read more in how to make true black.
For a longer explanation, read CMYK vs. RGB. If you need help converting your artwork, contact our support team.