Color can be an intimidating topic. There are entire courses dedicated to color theory and many artists who have dedicated their careers to studying color.
While the amount of information may be vast, it’s still important for designers to understand how color is being used while working in their files. In order to strengthen our knowledge, let’s look at the RGB and CMYK color modes so you can understand the differences and work with your files more confidently.
What is Color Mode?
Color mode is what determines how the colors, or channels, combine to create the final visual that you see. Different color modes result in different levels of color detail and file size.
Fortunately, the name of each color mode clearly identifies their channels. RGB (Red, Green and Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) are the two primary color modes, and the ones your files will most likely be created in.
One way to differentiate is that RGB works with light, while CMYK works with ink.
For example, think of how your computer monitor uses light to create what you see on the screen. So when you think of graphics for websites or emails you would work in RGB mode since they require a screen or projection to display.
However, a printer mixes inks together to create final visual on paper, therefore the files that they work with need to be in CMYK mode.
Color Champion
So, if RGB & CMYK were to step into the boxing ring, who comes out on top? Well, it all depends upon how the image is being used.
In my early days as a designer I would convert every file to CMYK. I was all about print, even back then, and I couldn’t see why I would bother with RGB. However, over time I have learned the value of working in both modes because each one has its strengths.
Going back to the original idea that RGB works with light, I can remember receiving files from photo shoots and they were always in RGB mode. Which makes sense because a photographer works with light, not ink.
Looking at those files I could see how vibrant the color was, because RGB mode has the potential to display millions of color. However, when I would prep those same files to go to print and convert from RGB to CMYK, I would often see the image lose some of its pop.
The color mode employed really depends upon how the image is being used.
If the final image is intended for online use, then RGB will provide a richer visual, with the additional advantage of keeping file size down.
However, in the world of print, CMYK is king. Please note, that when converting an image from RGB to CMYK you want to be mindful of shifts that can happen in color and potentially adjust the image accordingly. Additionally, if you are working in Photoshop, be aware that there are some adjustments that can only be used in RGB mode.
We hope this article has provided you with some useful information about color modes and how they’re used. Our purpose with this blog is to share what we know. We welcome any feedback, because that’s how we will get better and bring more value to you. Also, if there are specific topics within the world of print design that you would like to hear more on, please drop us a line.
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