RGB vs. CMYK Screen vs. Print

Why two modes? Print and monitor uses two different ways of producing color (CyanMagentaYellow blacK) When printing, ink is used to place an image on a page (RedGreenBlue) Files for TV and video use light to project an image

RGB Mode Uses additive color theory All colors must be combined to create white RGB is brighter than CMYK on screen

RGB Mode Uses 3 (8-bit) channels Pixels can produce 1 of 256 shades of R,G, & B Three channels combines to produce 24-bit color Can produce 16,777,216 colors (2 to the 24 power)

RGB Mode Not all colors in RGB can be reproduced using CMYK printing When designing, work on images in RGB until all editing is complete. Working is RGB mode is faster and there are more editing options

CMYK mode Uses subtractive color theory No colors added to create white Based on 4-color process printing Uses 4 channels on screen CMYK The 4th (black) channel does not increase number of colors Black is used simply to create pure black on the printed page

CMYK mode Cyan Magenta Yellow normally produces black. Inks have impurities which create a muddy brown color CYMK has smaller gamut than RGB

RGB vs. CMYK Additive colors Subtractive colors

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