We print using CMYK, not RGB. See the visual difference between the two colour modes and how to set your artwork up correctly before ordering.
What is the difference between CMYK and RGB?
We print using CMYK. Occasionally, artwork is set up using the RGB colour mode instead - you can see the slight difference between the two above.
RGB
RGB is a colour mode made up of Red, Green and Blue light. It's used on screens, so it's backlit, producing bright, vibrant colours. This method of printing isn't available on a digital press - we'll always print the closest CMYK equivalent instead.
CMYK
CMYK is the colour mode we use to print - it's the standard for most digital print methods, with colours made up from Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. As you can see from the example above, some of the brighter, more vivid colours aren't always achievable in CMYK.
What we recommend
- Set your document to CMYK before you start designing, if your software allows it
- Avoid pure, screen-bright neons and expect them to print slightly muted
- For exact colour matching (e.g. brand colours), give us a Pantone (PMS) reference rather than just a hex code
What happens if I send an RGB file?
We'll convert it automatically before printing. In most cases the shift is minor, but for colour-critical jobs we always recommend supplying CMYK or a Pantone reference from the start.
Quick summary
- Screens = RGB, print = CMYK
- CMYK has a smaller colour range, especially in bright/neon tones
- Set up in CMYK where possible, and use Pantone references for exact colour matching
