Whats the difference in RGB & CMYK ?

RGB and CMYK represent abbreviations of two types of color systems. The main difference between RGB and CMYK is that the first one is used for the digital world and the second one is used for the print world. RGB or RED GREEN BLUE – represents that color space used for computer monitors, video systems, TV, mobile phones, etc. The RGB color system consists in: 100%Red+100%Green+100%Blue= White. There is no room for black.

CMYK stands for CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW and K is for BLACK. By combining 100%Cyan+100%Magenta+100%Yellow= a Black that is not 100% pure Black, but a dark gray. By adding the K (Black) to the color system, the result will be a perfect Black, just like in RGB’s case, when the result of the three colors combination is 100% white.

If your graphic designer is designing you something for digital format only, he/she will design it in RGB mode. This means you can use that design for online purposes only, this file is not intended for printing purposes. Should you decide to print this file, the colors will be off, it will be grainy and will not look right. The same goes for designing something for printing purposes like a flier or business cards, you will want your graphic designer to design these in CMYK print ready format.

If you already have a file that you simply want edited by another graphic designer, make sure you check to see what file format the design is in. Many times the file format can be in a mode that may have to be redesigned and not "edited". A 2.5 x 3.5 RGB design cannot turnaround and be edited and printed, it will not be correct. If you can supply this information to your graphic designer before hand this will help the designer know what challenges there may be and he/she can let you know the proper estimate for the design thus saving you time and money. For more information please contact UrbanDesignFirm.com in Boise at 208.342.2244 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .