RGB, CMYK and why print colour looks different
Superchrome ·
It is one of the most common surprises in print: a vivid colour on screen looks a little calmer on the finished job. That is not a mistake. Screens and printers make colour in completely different ways.
Light versus ink
Screens produce colour by emitting red, green and blue light (RGB). Printers lay down ink, traditionally cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK), which reflects light from the surface. RGB can show some bright colours, especially electric blues and neon greens, that ink cannot match.
Materials change colour too
The same artwork will look different on a glossy vinyl, a textured canvas and a matt paper. The material's base colour, its surface and the lighting all affect the final result. That includes the light in the room where the print will be displayed.
Getting a closer match
- Supply brand colour references, such as Pantone numbers, if you have them.
- Do not judge colour from an uncalibrated phone or laptop screen.
- For colour-critical work, ask about a test print on the actual material.
Matching across items
If a banner must sit beside a sign on a different material, mention it at the start so that the differences can be discussed before production. Our artwork guide explains how to prepare your files.