What is the difference between RGB and CMYK, and what do you use for printing?

The primary difference between RGB and CMYK lies in their intended uses and how they render colors. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the color mode used for digital screens like computers, phones, and TVs. This color model creates bright and vibrant images due to the backlighting of the screens.

On the other hand, CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key [Black]) is the color mode used for printing. The CMYK model works by subtracting colors from natural white light, making it ideal for physical prints. When designing for print, it is vital to create your artwork in the CMYK color mode. This ensures that the colors in your digital design will match the printed output.

Colors in RGB can appear more vibrant because of the light emitted from screens, but these colors might not be achievable with CMYK printing. Therefore, understanding the distinction between these color modes is essential to ensure that your printed stickers look exactly as expected.

For the richest black in CMYK printing, we recommend using a combination of 40% Cyan, 40% Magenta, 40% Yellow, and 100% Black. The conversion from RGB to CMYK is crucial because colors that appear vibrant on a screen may look very different when printed.

By understanding and utilizing the correct color mode, you can achieve the desired color accuracy and consistency in your custom stickers. If your artwork is in RGB, the printed colors might not be accurate, leading to discrepancies. Our support team is available to assist you with any conversions to ensure your artwork meets printing standards.