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Tips & tricks from your printer

RGB or CMYK, which colour mode to choose?

Illustration rvb cmjnThe vocabulary used in the printing industry is not always easy to understand. But it is, certain elements are necessary to obtain the result you expect when printing your communication materials. The same applies to the difference between RGB and CMYK.

To help you make the the difference between RGB and CMYK colour modescolour modes, we suggest that you discover below the definition of these two acronyms and the presentation of the uses best adapted to each.

What is RGB and CMYK?

These two acronyms refer to two colorimetric modes.

  • RGB mode

The colorimetric mode RGB is composed of three colours: Red, Green and Blue. The name of this mode is based on the initial of each colour used, and is therefore designated by the letters RGB for Red, Green, Blue.

The RGB mode works on the basis of the brightness of each of the three colours articulated together. This makes it possible to obtain almost 17,000 million different colours with the RGB mode.

The RGB mode is mainly used in illustrations on screensIt is the the default mode used on computers. Please note that colours may vary from one monitor to another depending on their respective settings.

  • CMYK mode

The colorimetric mode CMYK, also known as four-colour processis based on four colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black. You will sometimes find the name CMYK which is the English translation for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key.

CMYK colours are created by adding a percentage of each of the four colours listed. Nearly 16 million shades can be obtained with the CMYK mode.

CMYK is the colour mode used in printing. Perhaps you have already noticed that these four colours are the colours of your printer's ink cartridges?

RGB or CMYK for your print jobs?

You will have understood, the colorimetric mode used in printing is the CMYK mode mode and not the RGB mode. The RGB mode is not at all suitable for print work The RGB mode is not at all suitable for printing: while the colours are brilliant and bright on the screen, they often come out dull and different from the original colours in print.

However, because RGB is often the default colour mode on computers, you may be disappointed with the way your prints look. Indeed, before printing, the RGB mode must be "translated" into CMYK mode. But this translation is not always accurate and it can happen that the colours that appear on the printed media do not correspond exactly to what you had selected on your to what you had selected on your computer with the RGB mode.

This is exactly why, when you contact us for the printing of your communication materials, we ask you to send us the files you have prepared that you have prepared with all the elements you want to appear on them. At Copymage, we then check your files free of charge. We often point out that your files are in RGB mode and that it would be more prudent to to transform them into CMYK mode mode in order to guarantee a satisfactory result.

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Choosing the CMYK mode for your print files

Regardless of the software you use to design your communication materials, it is always possible to determine the colorimetric mode to choose the CMYK modemode and not RGB mode.

  • If you are using Photoshop, select "Images" from the menu, then "mode" and finally CMYK.
  • If you are using Illustrator, click on "File", then "Colour Mode" and finally CMYK.
  • In Indesign, the CMYK colour mode is set by default, so you don't have to worry about it.

At Copymage, we advise you to send us your files as PDFs. The CMYK colour mode is of course compatible with AI (for Adobe Illustrator). You can also use the EPS format which is compatible with most vector programs. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us, we will guide you in the choice of your formats and files.

What kind of printing can be done in CMYK mode?

CMYK mode is suitable for all digital and offset printing, unlike RGB mode which is only suitable for on-screen use. Here are four examples of communication media for which four-colour printing, i.e. CMYK, will be used by our teams at Copymage.

The Roll-up is a highly effective mobile communication tool. Whether at trade fairs or outside your shop, the Roll-up offers you great visibility, attracts the attention of your prospects and customers and gives a modern and convincing image of your company. To achieve vibrant colours and a professional look, we use four-colour printing instead of RGB for your Roll-ups.

In order to personalise a professional space, to give it elegance and warmth, we suggest you opt for printing photographs on Plexiglas. All types of photographs are eligible for this process: whether they are taken with your phone or from royalty-free databases. Once again, there is only one requirement: choose the CMYK mode and not the RGB mode. With a CMYK mode, the colours will be intense and vibrant. 

Window stickers can be used both to inform passers-by and to decorate your shop front. Several types of vinyl exist: more or less resistant, repositionable, transparent, etc. This excellent communication medium, combining a low price and easy installation, will make your shop stand out, especially if you choose beautiful CMYK colours.

To be visible from a distance, indoors or outdoors, choose a proven medium: the poster campaign. At Copymage, we offer a wide variety of sizes, paper weights, etc. You can order your posters from us. Once again, we will print them using CMYK to preserve the beauty of the colours you have chosen.

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You now know the difference between CMYK and RGB mode. You are ready to send us your files for the printing of all your communication media. And if you have any doubts, we will be there to advise you: