What you need to know about RGB and CMYK. Colour in Process Printing

RGB – CMYK Conversion

All RGB files must be translated into CMYK. This conversion can be easily done in most image editing or graphic arts programs.

• Our print consultants can convert your RGB files to standard value CMYK colours for print. If you have specific colour concerns, you can also speak with one of our professional designers for more control over the final print.
• You will have more control over the appearance of your printed piece if you do the colour conversion yourself. We want you to be happy, so please take the time to prepare your file properly. Give us a call at 031 301 0422 for assistance.

How well will my printing match what I see on my monitor?

Most people are surprised at how well their print job matches what they see. But because of wide differences in monitor calibration and the different technologies used, some printed colours may not exactly match the colours on your specific monitor. 

Will the colours match a sample I print out on my own printer, or a previously printed sample?

At Tornado Signs we calibrate our equipment to a very rigorous industry standard for ink density and colour. Due to variation in conditions and equipment, we do not recommend using home or office printers to predict how images or colour will render when printed at our facility.
If you require precise colour match, please contact us to arrange for a digital colour proof. We will produce and send you a hard proof on equipment calibrated to our standard. When you approve and return the proof, we will strive to match the colour of the proof when printing your final piece.
There can be additional charges for precise colour match services. Also, if you request colour correction or other changes after you see your proof, there could be charges for colour correction time and a new proof.
Bottom line: the final product we produce for you is unlikely to match the output from your inkjet – it will look more professional!

What is the difference between the RGB and CMYK colour space and why does it matter?

RGB refers to the primary colours of light, Red, Green and Blue, that are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colours of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used on the press in “4-colour process printing”, commonly referred to as “full colour printing” or “four colour printing”.
The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black. Therefore, it is physically impossible for the printing press to exactly reproduce colours as we see them on our monitors.
Many programs have the capability to convert the layout/images from the RGB colour space to the CMYK colour space. We request that you convert your colours from RGB to CMYK if your tools allow you to. By doing it yourself, you have maximum control over the results. You may notice a shift in colour when converting from RGB to CMYK. If you do not like the appearance in CMYK, we recommend that you make adjustments while working in CMYK (usually lightening). Generally, you should specify CMYK colour builds that look a little lighter than you want, since the dots of ink “fatten up” on press, giving you more pigment on paper than you see on your monitor. Be especially careful to keep backgrounds light if there is black or dark coloured text over it, so that the text remains readable.