RGB vs CMYK Explained, Simply

RGB and CMYK are two colour systems that work in completely different ways, one for screens, one for print. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) creates bright, glowing colours using light, while CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) blends inks to produce tones on paper or fabric. That’s why your logo can look vivid on screen but slightly flatter when printed. Knowing which format to use RGB for digital, CMYK for print is key to keeping your brand colours consistent across everything from your website to your workwear.

By James Bolingbroke
2 min read
RGB vs CMYK Explained, Simply

If you’ve ever designed something on your computer that looked bright and vibrant on screen, only to find it prints out duller or slightly different, you’ve already met RGB and CMYK.

We get asked about this all the time, especially when clients supply artwork they’ve designed themselves. So here’s the simple explanation of what’s going on, and why it matters for your brand.

What does RGB mean?

RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue, the three colours of light used to create every colour you see on digital screens.

Your phone, laptop, and TV all use RGB. When you mix these colours of light together, they make millions of shades and bright, glowing colours especially neon tones and vibrant blues and greens that are impossible to recreate in print.

Best for: websites, social media, digital artwork, and anything viewed on a screen.

What does CMYK mean?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black)  the four inks used in full-colour printing.

Printers mix these inks in layers to create your design on paper, fabric, or signage. Because it’s a pigment-based system (not light), the colours can appear slightly flatter or darker compared to what you see on your screen.

Best for: anything printed from business cards and flyers to banners and branded workwear transfers.

Why the difference matters

When you create a design in the wrong colour format, the results can surprise you and not in a good way.

For example, we once received a bright electric-blue logo from a client. It looked perfect on screen, but it had been designed in RGB. When converted to CMYK for print, it turned into a dull blue. We had to adjust the colours manually and provide a proof so they could approve a more accurate match.

That small detail made a huge difference in how their brand looked in real life.

Quick tip for designers and business owners

  • Digital = RGB (for screens, social media, web graphics)

  • Print = CMYK (for business cards, signage, uniforms, and merchandise)

Always check your file mode before exporting artwork it can save you time, money, and a lot of disappointment.

Can I match colours exactly between the two?

Sometimes, but not always. Certain bright RGB colours just don’t exist in CMYK ink. For exact print matches, designers often use Pantone colours a universal colour-matching system that helps achieve consistency across all materials.

Final thoughts

RGB and CMYK might sound technical, but understanding them is the key to keeping your brand colours consistent. Think of RGB for your screens and CMYK for anything you can touch.

If you’re unsure which format your artwork is in, send it over we’ll check it for free and make sure it’s set up correctly for the job.