18/07/2026
What is RGB vs CMYK?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) are two color models used in different mediums.
RGB:
- Used for digital displays like monitors, televisions, and mobile devices
- Creates colors by combining different intensities of red, green, and blue light
- Additive color model, meaning the more light added, the brighter and whiter the color becomes
- Wide color gamut, allowing for vibrant and bright colors
CMYK:
- Used for printing processes like offset printing, screen printing, and inkjet printing
- Creates colors by combining different amounts of cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, with key/black ink added to deepen colors
- Subtractive color model, meaning the more ink used, the darker and more saturated the color becomes
- Limited color gamut compared to RGB, resulting in potential color shifts when converting between the two models