RGB and CMYK are the two most prominent and typical color spaces / formats / models used in the world of design.  In print, web, or digital media, a basic understanding of what the differences are, means a fledgling designer can vastly improve the quality of a project. 

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the typical color space used by electronic displays, monitors, pda screens, etc. In RGB, images are created by combining red, green, and blue light. Process of addition can create millions of different colors by using varying concentrations of the primaries. So when designing a website, web banner, buttons, e-newsletter, etc., your images and files should be set to this profile. Chances are any image you receive will be RGB by default, but it’s always a good practice to check.

CMYK is the primary color model used by color printers. So for flyers, brochures, advertising, newsletters, direct mail pieces, etc., a CMYK profile may provide better quality results or a better expectation of what your results will be. CMYK creates different colors in a subtractive process using four colors or inks: cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow, and black. Chances are your inkjet, bubblejet, or laser printer at home has a CMYK or CMYK variant setup.   There are many RGB colors that CMYK printers cannot reproduce. Something that looks good on the monitor may not retain that quality in the printed piece.

For design or consulting questions or jobs, visit us at energdesign.com, an Orlando / Central Florida based design company dedicated to your success. We prompt a healthy understanding of our industry and self reliance in business.