Print Color Reference

CMYK vs RGB vs Pantone reference with color gamut differences and print-safe color picking

RGB (Screen)

Additive color model Red + Green + Blue = White Range: 0-255 per channel Total: 16.7 million colors Used for: screens, web, digital File formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG

CMYK (Print)

Subtractive color model Cyan + Magenta + Yellow + Key(Black) Range: 0-100% per channel Total: ~16,000 achievable colors Used for: offset printing, digital press File formats: TIFF, PDF, EPS, AI

Pantone (Spot)

Standardized color matching Pre-mixed inks Total: 1,867 solid colors Used for: brand colors, packaging Ensures consistent reproduction Coated (C) vs Uncoated (U)

RGB to CMYK Converter

HEX

Common Print-Safe Colors

Colors to Avoid in Print

- Neon/fluorescent colors (no CMYK equivalent) - Very saturated RGB blues (#0000FF looks dull in CMYK) - Bright greens (#00FF00 shifts significantly) - Pure RGB red (#FF0000 shifts to orange-red) - Light pastels may appear washed out - Gradients can show banding in CMYK - Total ink coverage should not exceed 300% (ideal: 240%)

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