RBG vs. CMYK
RGB color constructs all the colors from the combination of the Red, Green and Blue colors. RGB stands for red, blue,green. RBG is used exclusively in the digital design industry because it represents the same colors used in computer screens, TV screens, as well as mobile devices.
CMYK color model is a subtractive color model, based on the CMY color model. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The CMYK color system is referred to as the four-color process because it uses four different colors to produce different hues.
RGB and CMYK are the color processes graphic designers use while completing projects. RGB is an additive process, meaning it adds red, green and blue together in different amounts to produce other colors. CMYK is a subtractive process. Different amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow and black are used to remove reflected colors from paper to create other colors we can see.
If doing a digital product, most likely RGB will be used. If doing a project which will be printed CMYK will be used so the colors come out as vibrant as possible. This is why printers advise graphic designers to always convert their RGB projects as CMYK before sending them to the printer.
How do I convert from RGB to CMYK?
- In Photoshop, click Image > Mode > CMYK Color.
- In Illustrator, click File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color.
- In InDesign, click Window > Color, then click the dropdown button in the upper right corner and select CMYK
