What is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK Color Models? Complete Guide

 

The use of colors in anything increases the fascination. Colors make the world more tempting and attractive. We use colors to create different effects in an environment. Your choice of colors tells a lot about your personality. So, we cannot live in a world that functions without the use of colors. Colors are also an important part of advertisement. Either You are advertising digitally or for printing. The use of RGB and CMYK, two different color models, creates fascination for your products.

To attract our customers, first, we understand the nature of these models. Let's dive into the discussion of the “difference between RGB and CMYK”.

RGB Color Model vs CMYK Color Model:

Both RGB  and CMYK color models are the  color combinations that are used in graphic design. They create different effects because they are used in distinctive mediums. In terms of use, one is used for electronics and the other for printing. The RGB comes in use of television, websites, or screen advertisements. But CMYK is applied to printing papers, like brochures, business cards, or brand advertisements.

RGB is the combination of three colors(Red,Green,Blue) that are used with lights to make a bright effect. This combo brings a brighter effect on the screens. The Word RGB is the abbreviation of red, green, and blue. All these colors with the light make things more eye catchy and bright.

On the other hand, CMYK symbolizes these colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This is the subtractive color combination. That is used to make multiple color pigments with the help of natural light.

Let's move on to the key differences and check color models comparison.

What is RGB?

RGB stands for red, green, and blue, as we have mentioned above. And they are used for digital images on screen. It means you can go for the RGB if you have to present the images on screen. Its visual appeal with a bright color combo catches the viewers' attention. Thus, when these colors are combined, they give the effect of white on screens.

If you want a white effect in the images, these three colors are used to the fullest degree. But if you require the black effect, use them at the lowest at (0,0,0).

The most interesting aspect of the RGB is its use in history. First time in the 1800's. The light and color combination concepts have come in this era by the physicians Thomas Young, James Maxwell, and Hermann Helmholtz. In these times, graphic designers use them with the help of cathode rays' tubes. They convert the electrical signals into images. However, Before the invention of LCD, television worked on these terms with the help of cathode tubes.

The Best Uses Of RGB

When it comes to digital screens, the RGB phenomenon is must have choice. In the era of screen, the use of RGB is at its peak. It is remarkable that either we are watching television or on mobile screens. RGB provides us with an array of colors and vibrant shades of colors that add life to images. So, the RGB color schemes are used for digital printing.

The use of RGB in digital marketing is also impressive. Because it is compatible to use with different graphic design applications and software.  

Uses of RGB Color Scheme

• RGB is the perfect choice when you have to display projects on screens.
• Best in Web application and web Design.
• Excellent online branding
• Social media marketing

What is CMYK?

Well, we already have the knowledge of its literal meaning. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). These are the primary colors that are used by the printers. In fact, most of the printers use them to make something different and tempting.

However, the true magic comes when the professionals use them to their full potential. They have high-quality equipment that produces full color graphics and images. Their primary focus is to use the CMYK for the advertisement. In this process, a printing machine creates the images with the help of real ink by combining all these colors.

When all the CMYK primary colors are mixed with 0% Degree. The white color is created. And when they are combined with the fullest potential, we get black color. People use them to create images on paper and advertise the products. This process involves the papers and also brings an attractive visual aspect to the images.  

The Basic Uses Of CMYK

Whenever you see the printing of magazines glossy papers, it is due to the CMYK. When you see the color combinations, you understand what importance colors have in the advertisement. People connect to the products due to the color combination. That's why advertisement experts use this printing technique to understand the psychology of consumers.

The color combination involves many other things. It should be connected to the products and target audience. The use of images and other things should be inviting and attractive to customers. As mentioned above, colors can make or break your product's worth. So, Understand the value of colors and their long-lasting effects.

CMYK color model is also used for custom packaging, printing purposes. Brands use these techniques to make impressive effects in packaging. They advertise the brand's names and products by involving the images. Thus, the use of CMYK for the billboards and posters also goes well.

• CMYK is preferred when physical printing is involved.
• For the barding purposes through cards and papers.
• They are used in the making of posters, flexes, and billboards.
• For the cloth brands advertisements.

Must Read : Know About Custom Box Printing Process at iCustomBoxes

Key Differences Between CMYK and RGB Colors Models

RGB color scheme	CMYK color model
Primary focus on digital marketing	Used for printing
The main colors are green red and Blue	Cyan, magenta, yellow and key color black
Mixing type additive	Subtractive color combination
Wide ranges of colors schemes	Limited color schemes
JPEG, PNG, GIFT file format	File format is PDF EPS etc.
The best use in online advertainments, like logos, digital graphs, online ads and many more	Basic use in business cards, stationary and all paper printing purposes