The Difference Between CMYK and RGB Color Systems

Why Do Printed Colors Look Different From On-Screen Designs?

One of the most common questions we receive from clients is:

“Why do the colors on my screen look different after printing?”

The short answer: screens and printers use different color systems. In this quick guide, you'll learn the difference between RGB printing services and CMYK printing, and how to make sure your print colors match your expectations.

First: The RGB System 

Red – Green – Blue

What happens if you print RGB? 

RGB is the color system used by all screens—phones, computers, TVs, and cameras.

The RGB printing machine works by blending red, green, and blue light in different proportions to produce millions of colors. The more light, the brighter the image.

The challenge:

The colors you see on a screen are lit and vivid, but this brightness doesn't transfer to paper when printed.

Second: The CMYK Printing Process

Cyan – Magenta – Yellow – Black

CMYK printing is the standard system for commercial printing.

It blends four ink colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—using pigment, not light. Layers of ink are applied to paper to form the final image.

Why Is It Important to Know the Difference?

Many clients are surprised after printing and say:

“The color doesn’t look like what I saw on my screen.”

That’s completely normal and expected because screen colors and print colors are fundamentally different.

Screens use RGB light, while printers use CMYK ink. As a result, colors often look more vibrant and luminous on screens compared to the printed version.

Other factors that affect printed color accuracy include:

Variations between printers, even of the same type.

Differences between digital and offset printing.

Paper type and texture can significantly affect how the color appears.

Pro Tip for Clients

If you need a specific color (like your brand color or product packaging) reproduced with high accuracy, it’s best to provide a physical sample (either a previous print or a product) so we can match it as closely as possible.

Still, keep in mind there may always be slight variations due to printing methods and materials.

With Zeej Print, Your Colors Are in Expert Hands

We don’t leave color accuracy to chance. At Zeej Print, we work with you every step of the way to ensure your printed colors match your brand as closely as possible.

With professional equipment and color management expertise, we provide:

High color accuracy

Consistency across every copy

Complete peace of mind during production

Print Your Colors with Confidence

Reach out to Zeej Print today — and let us make sure what you see on your screen is exactly what shows up on paper.