You finalise a digital design, expecting it to match your brand colours. But once printed, the colours appear darker, duller, or just off. This happens because screens and printers use different colour systems.
Digital screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue), while printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). The difference in how they handle colour often causes mismatched results in print.
This guide explains the key causes of colour shift and how to fix it before sending a job to print.
RGB and CMYK: Two Different Colour Models
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. It’s used in digital displays such as monitors and phones. This model adds light to produce colours, which is why RGB images appear bright and vibrant.
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black). It’s used in physical printing and works by subtracting light from a white surface using ink. This limits the colour range and results in muted tones when converting from RGB.
Each model serves a different purpose:
- RGB is used for digital files, web designs, and presentations
- CMYK is used for brochures, flyers, packaging and any printed media
Why Colours Shift During Printing
The RGB colour range is wider than CMYK. Many bright colours that appear on screen fall outside the printable CMYK range. When converting a design to print, the printer software substitutes the closest match, which often results in loss of brightness or hue.
This affects:
- Fluorescent or neon tones
- Bright blues, purples and greens
- Designs made for web but used for print
Colour shifts are not due to printer error but limitations in ink-based reproduction.
How to Fix Colour Mismatches
To avoid surprises during printing, follow these practical steps:
1. Design in CMYK mode
Start each print file in CMYK mode. This ensures the colours you choose are within the printable range and avoids unexpected conversions later.
2. Use Pantone colours for consistency
For strict brand colours, provide Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes. PMS inks offer predictable results across different printers and paper stocks.
3. Calibrate your monitor
For professionals, monitor calibration ensures what you see is closer to how it will print. This step is useful when colour precision is critical.
4. Request a print proof
Always ask for a printed sample before committing to large runs. A hard proof gives an accurate preview of how colours will appear on the chosen stock.
How Paper Type Impacts Colour Results
The type of paper used in printing plays a major role in how colours appear. Even when the same file and ink are used, the result can look different depending on the stock.
| Paper Factor | Effect on Colour |
| Finish | Glossy papers make colours appear more vibrant; matte or uncoated papers soften tones. |
| Paper Colour | Off-white or cream stock can slightly dull or shift colours, especially lighter shades. |
| Absorbency | Absorbent paper can reduce sharpness and darken colours; coated stock keeps colours brighter. |
| Thickness / Texture | Heavier or textured stock may create slight shadows or affect how colours reflect in light. |
If you’re aiming for colour accuracy, ask your printer for paper samples before finalising the job. The same design printed on two different stocks may deliver noticeably different results.
Work With a Print Specialist
Colour management doesn’t need to be complex. A local print team can guide you on colour conversion, file setup, paper options and proofing. Early communication reduces the risk of reprints or delays.
At Jennings Print, our team checks every file before production. We help businesses get consistent colour across print runs by working directly with the design file, matching brand colours using CMYK or PMS as needed, and offering proofs for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my printed colours look different from the screen?
Screens use RGB light, which displays a wider colour range than CMYK inks used in printing. Some colours cannot be reproduced exactly in print.
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
RGB is used for screens and uses light to form colours. CMYK is used for printing and uses ink. The difference affects how colours appear in the final output.
How do I make sure my colours print correctly?
Design in CMYK mode, use Pantone codes for key colours, calibrate your screen if needed, and always request a physical proof before printing.
I designed it in RGB. Do I need to start over?
No, but you’ll need to convert your file to CMYK. Some colours may change during conversion, so review the output and adjust if needed.
How can I keep my brand colour consistent across all prints?
Use the Pantone Matching System (PMS). It ensures a specific ink formula is used regardless of printer or location.
Need Help Getting It Right?
We help businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter Region get print colours right the first time. If you’ve got a project coming up, speak with us about your colours, and we’ll make sure the printed result matches your expectations.