RGB
The RGB system is what you see on your screen when looking at an image.
It's an additive model where we start with black (no light) and add red, green and blue wavelengths. Combining all three at full intensity produces white.
File formats: JPG, PNG, and other web formats.
CMYK
For print, the CMYK system is used.
It's a subtractive model where one starts with white paper and adds the four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to absorb wavelengths. Combining cyan, magenta and yellow results in black, but to get a true and strong black, black ink (K) is used.
CMYK has a more limited colour range and can’t replicate the full vibrancy of RGB colours, especially bright greens and blues. Also, an image produced by a light source (screen) always appears more vibrant than the same image printed on paper.
File formats: PDF/X, AI, EPS and print-ready TIFFs.
When you use our templates for Illustrator, RGB files are converted to CMYK when imported. Illustrator can simulate the effect of a limited colour range to help you get the design right for print. Always ensure you operate Illustrator in CMYK mode when making designs for our platform.
Please follow the instructions on the templates of how to save/export a PDF that can be used on our platform.
Converting an RGB file to CMYK before printing in print design is crucial to ensure accurate colour reproduction.