CMYK and RGB: why colours change
A screen emits light; print reflects it. Conversion needs a defined destination.
Written byExample authorExample author · DEMO
Published Updated 1 min read
Initial editorial content; independent expert review is pending. Example profiles are not real authors.
Two ways to produce colour
RGB describes red, green and blue light. CMYK describes cyan, magenta, yellow and black process inks. CMYK numbers alone do not define appearance on a particular paper.
Profiles give numbers meaning
An ICC profile relates colour values to a device or printing condition. Use the agreed destination profile; arbitrary conversion can clip vivid colours or shift neutrals.
Before approval
Keep original images, soft-proof for the target and judge critical colours on an appropriate proof. An uncontrolled screen is not a contract colour reference. Agree special inks separately.