What are CMYK and RGB?

They might sound like the jumbled ramblings of a toddler learning their ABCs, but CMYK and RGB are actually shorthand for two important color models used in graphic design. Each is an acronym standing for the basic colors used to create the full spectrum of hues in print documents or for digital screens. These color combos are a little different from what you may have learned in elementary school—you won’t see the traditional ROY G BIV rainbow here.

CMYK is the color model used for print documents and stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. On a traditional 4-color printing press, a design is separated into four different plates, each responsible for printing one of these four colors. The four plates are registered to line up perfectly and printed in succession, each color layering above the previous, to create a full color print. The CMYK model assumes a blank page is white and that all the colors combined creates black. You should expect to deliver files in CMYK if they are going to be used for printing things like business card, flyers, and physical brochures.

RGB is the color model used for digital spaces and stands for Red, Green, and Blue. On a digital screen, all the pixels are one of these three colors, and combinations of these colors are mixed with a white backlight to create the full gamut of bright colors. Contrary to CMYK, the RGB model assumes a blank screen is black and that showing all the colors combined with light creates white. Expect to only use RGB in applications that will exist solely in digital mediums like the web or television.

It’s important to understand the differences between CMYK and RGB and when to use each color model. Your brand color palette should have both CMYK and RBG color mixes to ensure your logo looks its best in every application.

If you're drawn to learn more about the design process, check out some of our other design related tips!