RGB

RGB stands for Red-Green-Blue, and these colors combine to make white. Usually digital cameras and computer monitors use the setting RGB because it helps show color.

The saying “there’s a time and a place” and that saying certainly applies here. If your project destination is digital I suggest you use RGB. The ideal format for RGB files is JPEG, they’re accessible almost anywhere and the size and quality stays virtually unchanged. But you don’t have to use a JPEG for all your projects, that’s why other formats exist.

CMYK

If you have something in motion you might want to use a GIF, If you have something with transparency then try a PNG. In order to print, all RGB color modes must be converted into CMYK. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The reason why it doesn’t have the color white is because it’s usually printed on white, and white on white doesn’t necessarily contrast enough to become visible.

A printer makes images by combining these colors to make your desired one, when all the colors are mixed together they then create black ink. CMYK is not good for monitor use, but it does show brilliant color when printed. You can use it for branding your stationary, advertising posters, t-shirts, and even restaurant menus. The ideal file format for CMYK is PDF, because this file type is adaptable to most programs.

Color Modes

If you open up photoshop and create a new document window should open, with the color mode options on it, as well as the sizing. You can work in RGB and then convert to RGB or the other way around depending on what you’re trying to do. If you can’t remember what color mode you set your image on you can always check in photoshop. If you scroll up to the toolbar and click image > mode you should be able to see which color mode is selected and which one is not.

Sadly, because of the conversions from RBG to CMYK the colors in the artwork that is created lose the majority of its brilliance and they become dulled out. A piece of artwork and a printed work will never be identical, but it doesn’t change anything other than the vibrancy of the colors, the resolution stays the same.

And now you know all about RBG and CMYK color modes, have fun messing with your settings in your Adobe Softwares! See you next time!