To know which color system you should use when creating any file, you need to analyze its purpose. It’s not the same if it will be published on a digital portal or if it will only be printed.
This will be very important when choosing the color system to use for its creation. In this article, you’ll see the difference between the RGB, CMYK, and Pantone systems and learn which is best for printing your files.
Differences between RGB, CMYK, and Pantone systems
Let’s break it down. The first thing we need to understand is that there are mainly three color models or systems: RGB, CMYK, and Pantone. These three types are based on additive colors, subtractive colors, and spot inks.
– The RGB system is named after the initials of the colors it uses: red, green, and blue. These are the colors used on screens, such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, and tablets.
It is an internationally recognized color mode based on additive synthesis, which means that a color can be represented by mixing the three primary light colors. That is, by mixing and overlaying the three main colors to obtain the desired color.
– The CMYK system is a color mode that uses the subtractive colors used for printing. It is named after the English initials of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key -Black-). In fact, you may find them familiar as they are the colors found in printer cartridges. Since four main colors are used, it is said to be based on a four-color process or “four-ink printing system.”
They are called subtractive colors because mixing cyan, magenta, and yellow on a white background results in black. However, it is not a pure black, but rather a greenish black.
– The Pantone system is based on spot inks. It is a system created by Pantone Inc., which has defined more than 1,100 colors that are distinguished by a number followed by a letter, called solid colors.
This color identification and comparison system is known as the PMS – Pantone Matching System. This system allows Pantone colors to be used on any printer.
The only drawback with this color model is that the options are much more limited than those provided by the CMYK system. However, it is a mode widely used for logos or corporate designs since, being standardized colors, it is a way to ensure that the color is the same everywhere.
What is the best color profile for printing?
Now that you know the differences between them, you may be wondering which is the best option for your printing. What you should know is that between RGB and CMYK, CMYK will always be better for printing.
However, you should also consider what type of file you want to print. The Pantone system is suitable for certain company identification files because it ensures they look good.
However, if you are going to print a brochure, a work of art, or photographs, you should know that the best option will be CMYK because, in this case, the Pantone system can be limiting in terms of its color range.
