What Is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK for Logos?

RGB is a colour mode for screens, mixing red, green, and blue light. CMYK is a colour mode for print, mixing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. Logos should have both versions so colours stay consistent on websites and on printed materials.

The same colour can look different on a phone and on a printed brochure. That is because screens and printers create colour in different ways. Understanding both helps your brand look consistent everywhere.

What Is RGB?

RGB is the colour mode used by screens.

Key points:

• It is additive: light is added to create colour
• Used for websites, apps, social media, and video
• Offers bright, vivid colours
• Has a wider range of colours than CMYK
• Colours are often written as HEX codes, such as #FF5733
• Best for any logo used on a digital device

What Is CMYK?

CMYK is the colour mode used by printers.

Key points:

• It is subtractive: ink absorbs light to create colour
• Used for brochures, packaging, business cards, and signage
• Has a smaller range, so bright colours can look duller in print
• Uses four inks: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black
• Needs proofing to confirm the final colour
• Best for any logo used in print

How Should You Manage Both for Your Logo?

Plan for both from the start.

Good practice:

• Keep RGB and CMYK versions of your logo
• Record your brand colours in HEX, RGB, and CMYK values
• Use Pantone colours when exact matching is critical
• Choose colours that convert well between modes
• Ask the printer for a proof before a large run
• Avoid converting back and forth between modes repeatedly

Conclusion

Use RGB for screens and CMYK for print. Keeping both versions, with clear colour values in your brand guide, keeps your logo looking right everywhere.