RGB vs CMYK
RGB and CMYK are two color models for two different media. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is additive and used for anything displayed on a screen. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is subtractive and used for physical printing. Designing for the wrong one causes color shifts.
Use RGB for anything viewed on screens — websites, apps, social media, digital photos. Use CMYK for anything physically printed — flyers, business cards, packaging — so the printed colors match expectations.
RGB vs CMYK: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|
| Model type | Additive (light) | Subtractive (ink) |
| Channels | Red, Green, Blue | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black |
| Medium | Screens, digital | Printing presses, paper |
| Color range (gamut) | Wider, more vivid | Narrower (esp. bright greens/blues) |
| Best for | Web, apps, social, photos | Print: flyers, cards, packaging |
| White is | All colors at full (light) | Absence of ink (paper) |
What is RGB and what is CMYK?
RGB
RGB is an additive color model: screens emit red, green, and blue light that combine to create colors, with all three at full intensity producing white. It offers a wide, vivid gamut and is the correct model for everything displayed digitally.
CMYK
CMYK is a subtractive model used in printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks absorb (subtract) light reflected off paper. Its gamut is narrower than RGB — bright neon greens and blues cannot be reproduced — so print designs must be prepared in CMYK to avoid surprises.
When to use which
Choose RGB
Choose RGB for all digital work: websites, app UI, social graphics, and photos meant to be viewed on screens.
Choose CMYK
Choose CMYK when preparing artwork for a commercial printer so on-screen colors translate accurately to ink on paper.
Convert between these formats
Use our free, browser-based converters: