How Should I Prepare My Files for CMYK Printing?

All sticker printing is done using the CMYK color model. To ensure accurate color output, your artwork should be converted to CMYK before exporting and submitting your file. RGB files may produce unexpected color shifts in print.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard color mode for professional printing. It is used for all physical sticker production because printers apply ink in these four channels.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue), on the other hand, is designed for screens and uses light rather than ink. RGB colors may appear more vibrant on monitors but cannot be reproduced exactly in print.

Converting your artwork to CMYK before submitting your file ensures that the printed result is as close as possible to what you see during design.

When an RGB file is printed, the colors are automatically converted by the printer’s workflow. This can lead to:

• Reduced vibrancy

• Slight or noticeable hue shifts

• Darker or more muted tones

• Inaccurate color reproduction in gradients or neon-like colors

By converting your file yourself, you can preview these changes and adjust your design if necessary.

1. Open your artwork

2. Go to Image → Mode → CMYK Color

3. Review your colors after conversion

4. Adjust saturation or contrast if needed

1. Open your artwork

2. Go to File → Document Color Mode → CMYK Color

3. Ensure all linked or embedded images are also CMYK

4. Check appearance of gradients and transparency

• PNG files are always RGB and cannot store CMYK color information

• Use PDF, AI, or EPS formats if you need to preserve CMYK settings

• JPG files can be CMYK, but PDF is recommended for maintaining consistent print output

For best results, export your final artwork as a PDF (CMYK).

Some RGB colors cannot be replicated exactly in CMYK. This especially applies to:

• Neon or fluorescent colors

• Very bright blues, greens, and reds

• High-saturation colors that rely on screen backlighting

Adjusting colors after conversion allows you to set realistic expectations for print output.

• Convert to CMYK early in the design process if possible

• Avoid relying on extremely saturated RGB colors

• Test print small samples if exact color matching is critical

• Make sure all linked images are CMYK before exporting

This reduces the chances of unexpected shifts when printing.

To prepare your files for printing, convert your artwork to CMYK before exporting. Use PDF or AI formats to preserve color settings, and avoid relying on RGB-only formats like PNG. Reviewing your artwork after conversion ensures accurate, predictable color output when your stickers are printed.