Should I use CMYK or RGB for my design files?
The short answer: CMYK
For most commercial print jobs, CMYK is the safest choice for supplying artwork.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is designed for screens and uses light to create colour. It has a much wider colour gamut than CMYK.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) is used for commercial printing and relies on ink. As a result, it cannot reproduce every colour that an RGB screen can display.
If an RGB file is used for print, it will eventually need to be converted to the appropriate CMYK colour space. Colours outside the printable gamut may change during conversion, particularly bright blues, greens, oranges and highly saturated colours.
For the most predictable results:
- Supply artwork in CMYK where appropriate.
- Use the ICC colour profile recommended by your printer.
- Request a printed proof for colour-critical work.
Some modern printing workflows can accept RGB files and manage the conversion themselves, so always check with your printer before preparing final artwork.
