What Is CMYK vs RGB? – The Ultimate Guide for Print Designs

Author | Date: 06/13/2025

Introduction: CMYK or RGB—Are You Using the Right Colour Mode?

When creating custom printed packaging, colour accuracy is everything. But one of the most common mistakes designers and businesses make is choosing the wrong colour mode: CMYK vs RGB. This single decision can completely change how your designs appear once printed.

So, is CMYK for print or digital? What about RGB? In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion and explain the difference between CMYK and RGB, helping you choose the right format for every project—especially if you’re working on product boxes, labels, or marketing materials.

What Is the Difference Between CMYK and RGB?

At the heart of every design lies a colour model. CMYK and RGB are two of the most common—but they work very differently.

What is RGB?

RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue. It’s a colour model based on light, used for screens and digital displays like:

Websites
Mobile apps
Social media graphics
Digital mockups

RGB creates colours by mixing different intensities of red, green, and blue light. The more light you add, the brighter the result. When all three are at full intensity, you get white.

💡 Use RGB for digital designs only.

What is CMYK?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This colour model is based on ink, and it’s used for physical printing. By layering these four inks, printers can reproduce a wide range of colours on paper or packaging materials.

💡 Use CMYK for anything being physically printed—like boxes, brochures, or business cards.

CMYK vs RGB: Quick Comparison

Feature	CMYK	RGB
Colour Basis	Ink	Light
Use Case	Print	Digital
Colours Possible	~16,000	16.7 million+
Brightness	Slightly muted	Bright and vivid
When to Use	Packaging, brochures, labels	Websites, emails, online ads

Why CMYK is Essential for Printing?

If you’re wondering, “Is CMYK for print or web?”—the answer is simple: CMYK is for print.

When you send a file to be printed—whether it’s a custom soap box, a retail bag, or a thank-you card—printers rely on CMYK to interpret colours. If your design is set in RGB and you print it without converting, colours can come out completely different than expected.

For example:

A vibrant RGB blue may turn dull or purplish in CMYK
Bright neon greens often lose intensity when printed

That’s why designers always convert artwork from RGB to CMYK before sending files to press.

Why RGB Is Best for Digital Designs?

On the other hand, RGB is for screens. Whether you’re creating banner ads or digital previews of your packaging design, RGB is the ideal format. It allows for a much wider range of colours than CMYK and appears brighter and more saturated—perfect for eye-catching digital content.

However, keep in mind: What you see on screen (in RGB) might not match what comes off the printer (in CMYK).

How to Convert RGB to CMYK (and Vice Versa)?

Modern design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign makes it easy to convert between colour modes.

To convert RGB to CMYK in Adobe Photoshop:

Open your file
Click Image > Mode
Select CMYK Colour

This allows you to preview how colours will appear when printed. It’s an essential step before submitting packaging files for production.

If you’re using Canva or online tools, make sure you choose “Print PDF” when exporting, which automatically uses CMYK colours.

Colour Accuracy: Why It Matters in Packaging

Colour consistency is crucial for brand recognition. Imagine ordering custom printed boxes only to find the shade of your logo looks completely off due to the wrong colour format. That’s why choosing CMYK for printing is non-negotiable.

Here’s why accurate colour mode matters:

Ensures your packaging matches your brand palette
Reduces costly reprints
Creates consistency across materials
Enhances perceived product quality

Remember, if you’re working with a designer, always confirm the files are prepared in CMYK format for print.

Common Questions About CMYK vs RGB

Is CMYK or RGB better for printing?

CMYK is better for printing. RGB is designed for screens, while CMYK works with ink. Always convert to CMYK before submitting for print.

Can I print in RGB?

Technically, yes—but you shouldn’t. Printers will convert RGB to CMYK automatically, often leading to unexpected colour shifts. It’s always better to prepare artwork in CMYK from the start.

What colour mode do printed designs use?

Printed designs use CMYK—whether it’s flyers, business cards, or packaging boxes. RGB should only be used for digital visuals.

Is CMYK more accurate than RGB?

For printed materials—yes. CMYK is tailored for real-world ink behaviour, while RGB is meant for light-emitting screens.

What about black CMYK values?

To get a rich black in print, designers often use a blend like C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100 instead of just K:100. This provides depth and avoids dullness, especially in large areas of black ink.

Best Practices for Printing with CMYK

To ensure your printed materials look their best, follow these tips:

Always convert your file to CMYK before sending it to print
Use high-resolution images (300 DPI or more)
Avoid relying on RGB-exclusive colours like neon or bright turquoise
Order a proof or sample print to confirm colours
Work with experienced printers like Buy Packaging Boxes who understand colour management

Colour Modes in Packaging Design Services

When you invest in packaging design services, colour accuracy isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a branding necessity. Designers working on custom packaging must consider whether the artwork will be displayed digitally or printed in bulk.

That’s why professionals start their packaging design process by choosing the correct colour mode. If your design is headed for physical production, your files should be created and finalised in CMYK, not RGB. This ensures your printed packaging matches your brand colours perfectly—down to the exact tone.

Why Choose Buy Packaging Boxes for Print-Ready Packaging?

At Buy Packaging Boxes, we help UK businesses get the most out of their custom packaging designs—with vibrant, accurate printing in the correct colour mode. Whether you’re printing simple kraft mailers or high-end retail boxes, we ensure your files are press-ready in CMYK for flawless results.

What We Offer:

Expert colour management (CMYK-optimised printing)
Custom printed boxes with your brand’s exact colour palette
Eco-friendly materials and vibrant ink options
Free file checks to catch colour issues before printing
Fast UK-wide delivery and responsive local support

Need help converting your RGB designs to CMYK? Our design team is here to help.

Conclusion: CMYK vs RGB – Know the Difference, Print with Confidence

Understanding CMYK vs RGB is essential for anyone involved in packaging, branding, or print marketing. Use RGB for digital. Use CMYK for print. That’s the golden rule.
By working with professionals who understand the nuances of colour modes, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your printed packaging looks exactly how you envisioned it.

👉 Get started today with Custom Printed Packaging Boxes or Request a Free Quote for your next project