Why we use CMYK Colour values - My Print Pal

Why we use CMYK Colour values

CMYK vs RGB: What is it and why do we use it?

CMYK is a standard for the printing industry while RGB is best used for screens & digital work.

This is because RGB ( red, green and blue) has a wider spectrum of colour options - 256 of each to be exact. That's 768 different options whereas CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) has 100 numerical options each which only makes 400 in total.

RGB can achieve more neon & bright colour options compared to CMYK. The vibrancy offered by RGB is what makes it better for digital use!


Now you must be thinking " If RGB has MORE colour options why don't we use that for printing?" It's simple - the CMYK colour mode is better suited for paper and physical ink.

When we use RGB, there are colour options mixed that CMYK cannot achieve. Our presses try to convert colours to the equivalent CMYK values however with every calibration of the printers they will recognise it differently. 

This is waht causes digital and print to vary and by using CMYK to design your prints this ensures the colour you see on-screen will be the colour printed by our machines.

 



Fun fact about CMYK - There are no colour options or combinations to create white - all the white you see on your prints is the paper!

To find our more about CYMK and setting up your print ready artwork, feel free to email our friendly team at admin@myprintpal.com.au

 

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