Q:
Why does my print look so different from my screen?
A:
This is a very common question, mostly asked by people who submit artwork in RGB format.
What happens when you print an RGB file?
The biggest problem areas come with flourescent colors. They look so bright an vibrant on the screen, but when printed they always come out muddy in comparison.
Neon greens, oranges, pinks and blues in particular have a hard time translating to print.
What exactly is RGB format?
It stands for Red Green and Blue. Computer monitors mix various degrees of these three colors to get the millions of colors you see on your screen.
This format is ideal for designing websites, videos or anything presented on a monitor. Since ink on paper will never give you the exact same results as a glowing screen, designing for print requires a different format.
What format is best for print?
Designing in CMYK mode will give you a more accurate screen preview of your print. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black, the four primary inks used in the printing process.
These inks can faithfully produce most colors but sometimes you may need to print something that’s outside of their gamut, or color range.
If you absolutely need to print neon or metallic colors, then you will need to use specialty inks. Pantone® is a common brand and if you are interested in printing these inks, ask your printer to see a pantone swatch book, so you can choose your colors.
What is a proof and why would I need one?
A proof is a printed sample of your design which allows you to check for color and layout accuracy. We highly recommend the use of proofs to correct any problems before you print all your copies.
Advanced Color Management
Color matching can be a fairly complicated affair. An entire industry has been built around calibration tools and color management systems which help printers provide you with the truest color possible.
You can read more on this subject in our Color Management article.
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