What Color Model is Used in Printed Designs?

Looking at a packaging design on your monitor may look dashing but in print may not give the results you want. Do you know why is that so? The reason behind this is the color mode. RGB and CMYK are different color models found in graphic design.

When you work with a packaging and printing company to create and print your project, you may not realize the extensive efforts put into bringing these impressive design results to life.

Usually, people don’t care about the color mode as many people are unaware of the color schemes. They just want their design to be printed with attractive graphics. That’s it.

If you are curious and passionate about learning what color model is used in printed designs, stay here. This guide will teach you what color models are and how they play their part in bringing your dream design onto paper.

What is The Color Model

A color model is a mathematical and systematic framework that describes the features of the color and also portrays how they can be presented in print media and digital form. Usually, it outlines the set of colors primarily used and the method of combining them to create a scale of colors.

The main objective of using a color model is to express the color features while presenting the unchanging reproduction results from different devices.

Leaving several types of color models behind, RGB and CMYK are the top color models being used in designing and printing.

What is RGB

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is a color model combining intensities of three colors of light to create a wide spectrum of colors. Primarily this color model is sufficient for digital displays such as monitors. Each color in this color model has a value ranging from 0 to 255. The 0 color range means no light and using the 255 means full intensity.

When To Use RGB

RGB representing a wide spectrum of colors is widely accepted in web digital design and is ideal for digital displays like TVs, smartphones, tablets, and monitors as it modifies colors during the design process. It includes:

• Websites
• Digital advertisements
• Infographics
• Social media graphics
• Video content
• Mobile applications

RGB is suitable for graphics, images, and web content when you are creating content for screen displays or digital designs. RGB printer uses this color model to produce pictures and prints.

Its interactive applications in apps and software with visual elements are the right choice. Not only this. RGB can be used to give vibrant visuals in game development designs.

Ideal File Formats for RGB

When choosing RGB colors, there are particular file formats suitable to preserve the realism of colors and ensure the colors are compatible with different devices from TVs and computers to smartphones and tablets. The best file formats for RGB are:

JPEG: Perfect for photographs and images with a balance of managing quality and file size.
PNG: Suitable for images and photos with sharp edges to support transparency.
GIF: Ideal for simple graphics, animations, and images with a limited color wheel.
SVG: An excellent choice for vector graphics. Suitable for logos, icons, and illustrations
TIFF: A high-quality format used in professional photography and printing.
PSD: Uses in Adobe Photoshop format retaining layers and editing capabilities.
WEBP: Modern format that offers both lossless and lossy compression for web use.

What is CMYK?

CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) is a subtractive color model used in printing. Its percentages of using inks do vary from white light to create a range of colors.

The color becomes darker when more ink is added to the color. However, this color model is crucial to achieve the exact color reproduction in printed materials.

When To Use CMYK

CMYK is a traditional color model for any design for a physical print that is not viewable on the screen. For labels and packaging designs that require the highest quality print for commercial printing or illustrations, you can go with CMYK to print the material with color accuracy. This includes:

• Brochures
• Magazines
• Packaging
• Business cards
• Flyers
• Posters

The print media industry is considering using CMYK colors. The reason behind this is using the physical inks in this process that ensures the accuracy of color reproduction on paper materials every time. To print large posters with vibrant colors, you hardly a better option than CMYK.

Paragon File Formats for CMYK

CMYK is the one to retain the color accuracy and print quality and there are certain file formats included. The best file formats for CMYK are here:

PDF: A versatile file format commonly used to print-ready documents retaining CMYK color profiles.
TIFF: A high-quality format and suitable for images and graphics in print requiring no image compression and ensuring color scheme.
PSD: Adobe Photoshop format to maintain layers and editing capabilities.
AI: Adobe Illustrator’s format and an excellent choice for vector artwork and graphics with layers retaining edibility.
EPS: Preserving the quality of scaling, this file format is ideal for vector graphics.
INDD: Adobe InDesign format, ideal for multi-page layouts and publications is recommended for RGB screen display and then converted to print with CMYK.

Core Differences Between RGB and CMYK

RGB and CMYK, are both colors and part of designing and printing. There are distinctions between them. Let’s discuss how they differ from each other.

Color Model:

• RGB: Additive (Red, Green, Blue)
• CMYK: Subtractive (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)

Usage:

• RGB: Digital displays or digital media (screens)
• CMYK: Print materials (brochures, magazines, posters)

Color Mixing:

• RGB: Combines light to create colors
• CMYK: Combines inks to subtract light

Color Range:

• RGB: Wider color gamut
• CMYK: Limited color range

Representation:

• RGB: Values from 0-255
• CMYK: Percentages (0-100%)

Applications:

• RGB: Web and digital design
• CMYK: Print-specific projects

Conversion:

• RGB: May lose color accuracy when converted to CMYK
• CMYK: Can be converted from RGB but with potential shifts

Color Perception:

• RGB: Brighter on screens
• CMYK: Duller on paper

Software Compatibility:

• RGB: Used in graphic design for digital work
• CMYK: Required certain print settings in design software

Ideal Medium:

• RGB: Best for online use
• CMYK: Best for physical printing

Choosing The Right Color Model

When you design a graphic it looks pretty good on the screen but the printing coming onto the paper gives you a clear idea. Here you need to carefully choose which color model is suitable for your next project. Here are some key factors to help you choose the right color model for your artwork.

Authentic Color Representation

A correct color model selection ensures the colors are reproduced accurately. For instance, if you are choosing RGB for a design, it may not appear the same as it appears on the screen. 

The reason behind this is that the RGB color model looks different when printed. If you choose CMYK for printing designs, you can be sure that color will give better results as it is used for printing brochures.

Consistent Branding Across Platforms

Color consistency in printing design is essential for a brand to maintain its integrity. In this, choosing the right color model ensures the design will maintain its branding design no matter if it is viewed online or in printed materials.

Outstanding quality

Using the right color model demonstrates that you are fully aware of color scheme and understand the technicalilities of colors from all the aspects using to produce the highest quality design.

Money Saving

Deciding the right color model is money-saving. For instance, if you are sure that CMYK is the right color model for your design and select a printer not print in color other than CMYK, it will reduce the need to reprint the design and save you time and money. With confidence, you will print your design.

Enhanced Engagement

Making the right selection of color models can enhance your direct engagement and communication with your customers. The role of vibrant color combinations is essential to evoke emotions and convey your brand message to a wider audience.

This way, you engage your audience and attract maximum audience to your products through attractive packaging design.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, choosing the color model is like picking a flower from the river. For your understanding, we have tried to underline the main aspects of different color models including RGB and CMYK. Now it will be like a piece of cake for you to pick the most suitable color model matching your requirements.

To answer “what color model is used in printed designs”, the experts at Custom Product Packaging are here to help you make an informed decision when you choose a color model for your packaging project. Want to learn more? Draft your query and send us an email at orders@customproductpackaging.com. We will be more than happy to assist you.