CMYK and RGB are two different color models used for different purposes in design.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It’s used for printing because printers mix these four ink colors to produce full-color images. CMYK is a subtractive color model, meaning colors are created by subtracting light.
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. It’s used for digital screens like monitors, smartphones, and TVs. RGB is an additive color model, meaning colors are created by adding light.
Key Differences:
| Feature | CMYK | RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Use Case | Print design | Digital/screen design |
| Color Range | Smaller (limited by inks) | Larger (light-based colors) |
| File Types | PDF, AI, EPS | JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG |
| Common Software | Adobe InDesign, Illustrator | Photoshop, Figma, Canva |
Using the wrong color mode can cause your colors to look different than intended—always design in CMYK for print and RGB for digital.
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