What is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between RGB and CMYK color modes lies in their intended usage and color mixing processes. Here are the key differences:

  • Usage: RGB is the primary color mode for digital designs, such as web, TV, or phone files, while CMYK is used for printed designs, like T-shirts, flyers, or business cards.
  • Color Mixing Process: RGB is an additive color model, where red, green, and blue are the primary colors, and they combine to create white light. On the other hand, CMYK is a subtractive color model, using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create colors on the printed surface.
  • Primary Colors: In RGB, the primary colors are red, green, and blue, while in CMYK, they are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
  • Maximum Color Yield: RGB can produce a wider range of colors compared to CMYK, which has a more limited color gamut.

When working on a design project, it is essential to choose the appropriate color mode depending on the intended use. RGB is best for digital media projects, while CMYK is better for print materials.

Comparative Table: RGB vs CMYK

Here is a table comparing the differences between RGB and CMYK color modes:

Feature RGB (Red, Green, Blue) CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Primary Colors Red, Green, Blue Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Mixing Process Additive (light) Subtractive (pigment)
Typical Use Digital designs (web, TV, phone) Printed designs (T-shirts, flyers, business cards)
Maximum Color Combinations 16.7 million colors 16,000 possibilities
File Size Usually smaller Usually larger
White Creation Combining red, green, and blue creates white light Combining cyan, magenta, and yellow creates black
Black Creation Absence of light Combining cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks

RGB is best for digital designs and uses light to define colors, while CMYK is best for printing and uses pigment to define colors. RGB has a wider range of colors compared to CMYK, and converting between the two color modes may result in changes to the design's appearance.