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 theoryNo colors added to create white

Based on 4-color process printingUses 4 channels on screen CMYKThe 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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