CMYK Process
Colour Requirements
With printing as our specialty, our goal is to assure that your prints are produced in the exact color you want them to be. Considering this, we want our clients to be informed on how we translate accurate colors into print. Keep reading to learn more about how we make that happen!
The Difference Between RBG and CMYK
The difference between CMYK and RGB colors is simple. CMYK color format is for used for designing hard copy prints and RGB is for web images.
When it comes to printing hard copies for example, post cards, business cards, posters, and signs; basically anything you can hold in your hand with your design at the end of the day, this is what CMYK is designed for RGB on the other hand is used for designs or images that are only supposed to be used online via social media posts, mock ups, websites, graphic designs and anything that is NOT required to be printed out for hard copies.
It is important that you know that these two color formats can still produce the exact same colors during designing and saving outputs online or via design tools. Both are great for mixing colors in design. They have the same backbone for all existing colors, the only difference is one format is designed for printing and the other is not. [readmore]
Converting RGB to CMYK
RBG represents the primary colors of light specifically Red, Blue, and Green. This color profile is typically used by phones, monitors, digital cameras, televisions and pretty much any gadget that emits light to produce color.
On the contrary, CMYK represents the primary colors of PIGMENT or ink namely Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the colors you see on printed outputs like magazines and other marketing materials
CMYK is for hard copy prints. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key). If you own a printer at home or at the office, you will notice that these are the only colors you need to print any image. If one Is missing, then it’s enough to miss out on a lot of colors when you try printing an image. [readmore]
Why is this important to know?
That’s because while we can certainly create colors in RGB, not all colors are physically possible to recreate in CMYK. Worry not, If your files are set up in RBG, our graphic design team can help you convert those colors into CMYK format by blending cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to achieve the closest color to the original.
This is why part of our protocol in the pre-press stage includes sending proofs of your artwork so you can check if the colors accurately represent your conceptualization of the artwork. Rest assured, we do not put anything into production without your absolute approval on the color and layout of your artwork.
Standard Black vs. Rich Black
What's the difference? “Standard” black is printed strictly with black toner (K cartridge). “Rich” black, however, combines K with sub-tones of the other print colors (Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow). This layering provides richness and depth to the color.
Standard Black: C - 0% M - 0% Y - 0% K - 100%
Rich Black: C - 30% M - 30% Y - 30% K - 100%
It is useful to know the difference between these two types of black especially when printing materials with difference purposes. For example, if you are aiming to get a Full-Colour print of an artwork or photo, then applying rich black would be the best route to ensure maximum boldness of colors. However, if you are getting prints for a marketing material that includes very delicate lines such as small texts or fine lines then standard black would be a better choice. This is to avoid producing slight color shadows that may appear around the text due to the combinations of the 4 CMYK colors when registering rich black on the system.
Color Matching and Spot Colors
One way to ensure that the colors of your prints remain consistent and accurate is through the use of spot colors. If you are printing out a logo or any print where accuracy is a crucial element, the use of spot color is the best route.
Process color on the other hand, is the standard application of the 4 separate CMYK colors of ink during the printing process and is prone to have some slight color variations between separate print runs.
‘Spot color’ ensures that each print and reprint produced is the same exact color since this type of ink is mixed separately and requires its own printing plate as opposed to - ‘Process color’ where in the CMYK colors are layered and printed on the spot to achieve the finished product.
Another excellent benefit of using spot color is this option can provide more coverage when printing over a large area, as well as can be used to accommodate special finishes such as metallic or fluorescent colors.
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