CMYK: The Colour Profile for Print
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). These four inks are used in various combinations to create colours on printed materials. CMYK is subtractive, meaning colours are created by subtracting wavelengths of light, making it ideal for physical media like brochures, business cards, and posters.
When your design is destined for print, CMYK is the profile you’ll use. It allows for precise colour matching across different types of printers and paper, ensuring your materials look professional and consistent.
RGB: The Colour Profile for Digital
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the colour model used for digital screens. This additive profile combines different intensities of red, green, and blue light to produce colours. It’s used for websites, social media, apps, and anything viewed on a screen.
If you’re designing a website, social media graphics, or digital advertising, RGB is your go-to profile. The colours you see on screen are bright and vibrant, but it’s important to note that they won’t always look the same in print. If you’re moving from digital to print, a colour conversion will be necessary.
Hex: Web-Safe Colours
Hex is short for hexadecimal code, a six-digit code that represents a colour in digital design. Hex codes are primarily used in web development to ensure consistent colour across all browsers and devices. They are essentially another form of the RGB profile but in a format that’s easily readable by web browsers.
For small business websites, using Hex ensures that your brand colours are displayed consistently across all devices. A colour like navy blue might be represented by the code #000080, making it easier for developers to replicate exact shades.
PMS: Pantone Matching System for Brand Consistency
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a universal colour matching system used in both digital and print. Pantone colours are pre-mixed inks that deliver exact colours every time, making them ideal for brand consistency. Whether you’re printing business cards, signage, or promotional materials, PMS ensures that your brand colours are always the same, regardless of the printer or location.
Pantone colours are particularly useful for logos and brand materials that require a specific, signature shade that might be difficult to replicate with CMYK.
CMYK vs Pantone: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions when preparing print materials is whether to use CMYK or Pantone (PMS). Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences:
- CMYK uses a combination of four ink colours to create a wide range of hues. However, certain vibrant or complex shades may be difficult to achieve with this method.
- Pantone uses premixed inks that guarantee colour accuracy. This is especially useful for brands that need to maintain the same shade across multiple platforms or locations.
While CMYK is cost-effective and widely used for full-colour print jobs, Pantone is often the choice for brands that prioritise exact colour matching.
Why Do Colour Profiles Matter for Your Small Business?
Colour is a key aspect of your brand identity, and consistency is critical. Mismatched colours can confuse customers and dilute the impact of your brand. By understanding these colour profiles, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that maintain consistency across all your branding materials—whether online or offline.
Need a Print Design Project Sorted? Get in Touch with New Century Design
At New Century Design, we specialise in creating print designs that stand out. From business cards to brochures, we make sure your brand’s colours are consistent and professional. If you have a print project that needs to be sorted, we’d love to help. Get in touch today, and let’s bring your vision to life!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or project ideas!
