Anyone who has ever had materials printed knows the moment when a design comes out of the box and the colours are just a little different from those on the screen. A bright blue background looks slightly darker, a striking red looks a little warmer, and a fresh green lacks the brightness you saw on your computer.
This usually does not mean anything went wrong during printing. The difference arises because a screen and a printing press reproduce colours in completely different ways. In this blog, we explain how that works and how to avoid surprises.
What Is RGB?
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. This is the colour model used by screens, such as computers, phones and televisions. The screen creates colours by combining light from these three colours.
Because a screen emits light, colours can be very bright and intense. Bright blues, neon colours and bright greens in particular are often much more vivid on a screen than in print.
- Suitable for websites and social media.
- Uses light to display colours.
- Wide colour range with very bright colours.
What Is CMYK?
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black). This colour model is used for almost all professional printing. Instead of light, a printing press uses ink on paper to build up colours.
Because paper does not emit light but reflects it, some colours are less bright than on a screen. This is a normal consequence of the printing process.
- Suitable for professional printing.
- Uses ink instead of light.
- Colours often look slightly softer than on a screen.
Why Does My Print Look Different?
1. A Screen Emits Light
A monitor emits light. This often makes colours look much brighter than when the same colours are printed on paper. Paper only reflects ambient light and can therefore never achieve the same light intensity.
2. Not Every RGB Colour Can Be Printed
The RGB colour model can display many more colours than CMYK allows. When converting a design for print, some colours therefore need to be adjusted automatically. Neon colours and very bright blues or greens in particular change visibly as a result.
3. Paper Affects Colour
The type of paper also plays a role. Glossy paper often makes colours look more vivid, while uncoated paper produces a softer appearance. As a result, the same design can make a different impression on different types of paper.
4. Screens Differ from One Another
Not every screen shows the same colours. A monitor's brightness, colour settings and quality vary from device to device. A design can therefore look slightly different on two laptops, even before it goes to the printer.
How Can You Avoid Disappointment?
For professional printing, a design is prepared for production in advance. Colours are checked and adjusted to the CMYK colour model where necessary. This makes the final result as predictable as possible.
- Design directly in CMYK when the design is intended for print.
- Use images with sufficient resolution.
- Take the chosen paper type into account.
- Have important printed materials checked beforehand.
What About Brand Identity?
A professional brand identity should remain recognisable both online and on paper. That is why designing a logo or brand identity usually involves specifying not only an RGB colour but also a CMYK version. This keeps the appearance as consistent as possible, whether a logo is used on a website, business card, banner or brochure.
In some cases, PMS colours (Pantone) are also specified. These are used when a very specific colour needs to be exactly the same everywhere, for example for major brands or special printing techniques.
Why Do Organisations Choose Basic Media?
At Basic Media, we design printed materials that not only look good on a screen but also come off the press looking professional. From the initial design, we take into account colour use, resolution, paper types and the technical requirements of professional printing.
- Designs ready for professional printing.
- Colours tailored to both online use and print.
- Production through reliable Dutch print partners.
- One recognisable brand identity for your website, social media and print.
- Advice on materials, finishes and print runs.
See our print design services or read more about a professional brand identity and logo.
Ready for the Next Step?
Want printed materials designed to look professional both digitally and on paper? Contact us. We are happy to advise you on design, production and materials. Curious about previous work? View our projects.