RGB vs CMYK vs PMS
Designing packaging for print can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the various color systems available. You may encounter terms like RGB, CMYK, and PMS, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which one to use for your design. To help simplify things, here’s a brief explanation of each color system and its intended use, so you can choose the right one for your packaging needs.
What is RGB?
RGB is an acronym for Red, Green, and Blue, which refers to an additive color system. This means that as you add more primary colors, the resulting shade becomes brighter. RGB colors are produced by blending three light beams of the primary colors, and since they are created with light, they are only visible on digital devices, such as computer screens and mobile phones. This makes the RGB color system unsuitable for printing packaging.
What is CMYK?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key) is a process color system used in printing. It involves mixing four primary inks together to create the desired hue, and it’s the most commonly used color system for packaging.
One of the benefits of using the CMYK color system is that it requires less ink overall, which is cost-effective for printing. When creating packaging designs, it’s important to ensure that your document is in CMYK color mode instead of RGB, as this provides a more accurate representation of the colors that will be printed. It’s also essential to maintain the CMYK format throughout the design process to avoid any color discrepancies between the design and the printed packaging.
What is PMS?
PMS or Pantone Matching System is a color system that uses pre-mixed colors to ensure high consistency and accuracy in printing. Pantone colors are especially useful for brands that require precise and consistent colors in their packaging every time. For example, brands like Coca-Cola or Tiffany’s have specific colors that are associated with their brand image, and these colors must be printed accurately every time. Although Pantone colors are more expensive than CMYK, they provide a great way to ensure consistent color representation in packaging designs.
