What Is the Difference Between Pantone, RGB & CMYK?

This is why we decided to put together a quick and easy to digest guide to clear it up. Here, we’ll take you through the difference between these three colour terms, allowing you to use them when discussing the design and print of your next major display.

Pantone

Pantone is an America-based LLC company, which has created a universally-used colour system worldwide. This means that businesses, printers and designers from all over the world can refer to exact matches of colour without discrepancy from their collection of over 1100 different colours.

RGB

RGB is a different colour model and stands for Red, Green and Blue. These colours are blended and layered to create the image colour needed and this is used digitally, which means your computer screen works in RGB.

RGB uses an additive process, starting with a black canvas and layering the colour on top.

CMYK

You’ll pretty much always be asked to submit artwork in CMYK when getting anything professionally printed. CMYK is used in the printing of anything from magazines to billboards and stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (which is black). It is a colour standard for printing.

CMYK uses a subtractive colour creation process, starting with a white canvas and layering the colour to reduce the light.

So, Pantone, RGB and CMYK are all colour palette systems. RGB and CMYK are standardised colours specifically in printing with CMYK used in professional printing.

Why Is RGB Not Accepted for Printing?

If you’re viewing your graphics or image on your computer screen in RGB, when the professional printer prints your final work in CMYK the colours could result differently to your expectations.

If you convert your image to CMYK or better yet, create the image in CMYK to begin with, you will always see the exact colouring in your final products that you see on the screen.

Why Do Print Files Need to Be CMYK?

RGB has a wider colour spectrum than CMYK but CMYK is still most commonly the preferred method for professional printing. This is because it is possible to more accurately create the colours in the original artwork. The resolution and quality are also crisper and more exact.

How to Convert RGB to CMYK for Printing?

It is possible to use Photoshop to convert your graphic from RGB colour to CMYK. After you’ve done this, you may need to edit your image to slightly readjust the colour balance. In Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, you’ll be able to select CMYK in the colour settings. For systems, such as Microsoft Publisher, changing the colour settings is called the Colour Mode, in which you can switch to CMYK.

Here is a quick tutorial to show you how this is done on Photoshop.

Top Tips to Prevent Colour Differences

Print and check your colours in CMYK before you approve the final artwork. Make sure you keep a note of the colour codes for the key colours in your artwork. Blues and purples differ the most so minimise the use of these tones if possible.

Exhibition & Event Displays

Now that you’ve nailed the type of printing, you can select the displays and stands you need for your next event or exhibition. From the full package to individual pop up stands, banner stands or flags, ExpoCart can help you create the highest quality, most professional exhibition stand. Get ahead of your direct competitors and create a stand that promises to turn heads.

Need any help? Contact us for expert advice.