RGB or CMYK—what color data do we need?

Colors that look good on a screen can appear significantly different when printed. The reason is simple: A screen produces colors using light, while printing produces colors using ink.

RGB and HEX – for Screens and the Internet

RGB and HEX colors are intended for digital applications, such as websites, social media, presentations, or other content displayed on a screen.

RGB stands for red, green, and blue. Since a monitor produces colors using light, it can display particularly vivid and bright colors.

Important: RGB data is not intended for professional printing.

For example, if you send us a logo or graphic as an RGB file, the colors must be converted to CMYK for printing. This may result in visible color differences. In particular, very bright shades of blue, green, orange, or neon often cannot be reproduced in CMYK printing exactly as they appear on the screen.

CMYK – for print files

For most professional printing processes, we need colors in CMYK color mode.

CMYK stands for:

C = Cyan
M = Magenta
Y = Yellow
K = Black

The various shades are produced using these four printing inks.

If you would like to provide us with print-ready files, images, logos, and graphics should therefore already be prepared for output in the CMYK color space.

Please note: A simple automatic conversion from RGB to CMYK can alter color reproduction. For example, a vibrant RGB blue may appear significantly darker or less intense in print.

Pantone – for precisely defined spot colors

If a specific color needs to be defined with particular precision—for example, a corporate or logo color —so-called Pantone colors can be used.

Pantone colors are internationally standardized shades with unique designations. They are used, for example, in screen printing and other printing processes that utilize spot colors.

However, the same applies here: The actual effect of a color can vary depending on the material, substrate, and printing process.

Key Points at a Glance

RGB / HEX → Screen & Online
For websites, social media, and other digital applications.

CMYK → Print
Please use CMYK when providing us with print-ready files.

Pantone → defined custom and brand colors
Ideal when you need to reproduce a specific corporate or logo color as accurately as possible.

Do you only have RGB data?

No problem. If your logo or graphic is only available in RGB, we can prepare the files for printing. Please note, however, that colors may change when converting from RGB to CMYK.

If accurate color reproduction is particularly important to you, please provide us with the CMYK or Pantone color values for your corporate or brand colors.