When setting up artwork for print, it’s important to understand the difference between CMYK and RGB colour modes. Although they can look similar on screen, they behave very differently when printed.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
RGB is a screen-based colour mode. It’s used for anything that’s viewed digitally, such as:
- Websites
- Phone screens
- Social media
- Digital ads
RGB works by mixing light, which allows screens to display very bright, vibrant colours — especially neon greens, blues, and oranges.
Because RGB is designed for screens, it cannot be printed directly using standard digital or litho printing presses.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
CMYK is a print-based colour mode. It’s used by printers to reproduce colour using ink on paper or card.
All professionally printed products — including swing tags, bottle neck tags, and event passes — are produced using CMYK inks.
CMYK has a smaller colour range than RGB, which means some very bright screen colours can’t be matched exactly in print.
Why colours can look different when printed
If artwork is supplied in RGB:
- Colours are automatically converted to CMYK before printing
- Very bright or fluorescent colours may appear duller or darker
- Blues and greens are the most common colours to shift
This is completely normal and happens with all printed products, not just tags.
What colour mode should I use?
For best results, we recommend:
- Setting up artwork in CMYK from the start
- Using a print-friendly colour profile
- Avoiding extremely bright RGB-only colours
If your artwork is supplied in RGB, don’t worry — we’ll still print it, but colours will be converted to the closest CMYK equivalent.
Can you colour match exactly?
Exact colour matching (for example, matching a screen or an uncalibrated printer) isn’t guaranteed.
If colour accuracy is critical:
- Consider ordering a sample
- Or contact us to discuss colour expectations before printing
Quick summary
- RGB = screens only (brighter, backlit colours)
- CMYK = print only (ink on paper/card)
- Printed colours may differ slightly from what you see on screen
- Supplying CMYK artwork gives the most predictable results
If you’re unsure whether your artwork is set up correctly, our team will always check it before printing and let you know if anything needs attention.