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Why can you not print RGB colour schemes?

Have you ever felt disappointed and confused when the colours in your digital files don’t match up with the actual printed result? Maybe your printer told you that the file is in RGB and it can’t handle that type of file. Don’t worry – we have the perfect explanation for why printing in RGB is not possible.

 

What is RGB and CMYK?

RGB is a type of colour model used in digital images. It is made up of three primary colours – red, green and blue – which can be combined in various proportions to create any colour imaginable. RGB technology can be found in most screens today, allowing for the production of vibrant colours and fine details that could never have been achieved before.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black). It is a subtractive colour model which is used to produce full-colour artwork. This colour system is based on the process of combining small amounts of four inks—cyan, magenta, yellow and black—to create a wide range of colours. By using this system, professional printers are able to reproduce vibrant graphics that look identical to the original artwork.

 

When to Use RGB or CMYK?

Design projects have become more accessible and efficient with the use of the CMYK and RGB colour systems. The CMYK system is widely used for printing as it produces a wider range of colours compared to RGB, which is better suited for digital designs such as websites and apps. This allows designers to produce vibrant, eye-catching designs that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

When it comes to the colours you use in your designs, it is a good practice to use RGB for digital projects and CMYK for anything that needs to be printed. Therefore, if you ever plan on printing something you have created, always remember to go with the CMYK system.

 

Why Are There 2 Different Colour Systems?

We often see two different colour systems used in the design world – CMYK and RGB. But why are there two different systems? The answer lies in the way we view colour. CMYK is used mainly for print designs. It is based on the subtractive colour system which means that it works by removing light from a white background. On the other hand, RGB is mainly used for digital designs as it works on an additive system of light. This means that colours are created by adding light to a dark background.

To understand how print looks, it is important to note that the colour we perceive is due to the reflection of light. The ink absorbs certain colours and reflects others. The screen display on the computer is black but the same white printer paper remains unchanged when no ink is applied. This has caused a need to create the RGB and CMYK colour systems. Such systems provide an accurate representation of true colours which can be printed later on the paper.

 

So, why can I not print my RGB Artwork?

In short, it’s impossible to print light. That’s because the pixels on a display screen are what emit light and give different colors. With no emission of light, the screen stays black when it’s switched off.

Printing artwork can be a challenging task, requiring skill and experience to ensure the best possible results., especially when it comes to RGB artwork. While RGB is the most common colour format used for digital art, it is not always suitable for printing. This is because when an image is printed, the colors must be converted from RGB to CMYK. If this conversion isn’t done correctly, there can be major differences between the original image and the printed version.

Converting colours from RGB to CMYK can be a tricky process. While RGB colours are great for use on web and digital platforms, they don’t always lend themselves well to printing. As such, it is important to understand the limitations of RGB and how it needs to be converted into CMYK in order for a printed piece to look its best.

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