Artwork: CMYK Colour Setup Explained

What is CMYK?

CMYK stands for:

• Cyan

• Magenta

• Yellow

• Key (Black)

These four inks are used in combination to reproduce colour on printed material. Unlike screens, which emit light, printed colours are created by ink absorbing light on paper.

Because of this, colours behave differently in print than they do on screen.

CMYK vs RGB: what’s the difference?

RGB stands for:

• Red

• Green

• Blue

RGB is used for screens such as computers, phones, and tablets. It allows for brighter and more vibrant colours than print.

The key difference:

• RGB is for digital display

• CMYK is for printing

Files supplied in RGB must be converted to CMYK before printing, which can result in colour shifts if not handled correctly.

Why CMYK matters for print

Printing presses are calibrated to work with CMYK colour values. Supplying files in CMYK helps ensure:

• More predictable colour output

• Fewer unexpected colour shifts

• Better control over dark tones and neutrals

• Cleaner black text and fine detail

While modern workflows can convert RGB files automatically, this process is not always ideal for colour-critical designs.

Black text and mono artwork

For text-heavy or black-and-white interiors:

• Body text should be set to 100% K (black)

• Avoid using rich black for small text

• Large black areas may use a rich black mix if advised

This ensures sharp, readable text and avoids registration issues.

Images and colour profiles

Images should ideally be:

• Supplied in CMYK

• Set to the correct colour profile where possible

• Exported at 300 dpi at final size

If you’re using professional design software, exporting with a standard print profile helps maintain consistency.

If you’re unsure which profile to use, we can advise before production.

Will my colours look different in print?

In most cases, printed colours will not look identical to what you see on screen. This is normal.

Factors that affect colour appearance include:

• Paper type (coated vs uncoated)

• Ink absorption

• Lighting conditions

• Screen calibration

If colour accuracy is critical, we recommend discussing proofing options before printing.

Common colour issues we see

Some of the most frequent colour-related problems include:

• RGB files supplied for print

• Washed-out or dull colours after conversion

• Grey text created using CMY mixes

• Inconsistent blacks across pages

• Overly saturated images

Most of these can be avoided with early checks.

If you’re unsure about your colour setup

You don’t need to be a print expert to get this right.

If you’re unsure whether your files are correctly set up:

• Submit what you have

• Let us know colour is important

• We’ll review and flag any concerns before printing

Catching colour issues early helps avoid disappointment later.

Related guides

You may also find these articles helpful:

• Supplying Print-Ready PDF Files

• Bleed and Trim Explained

• Black vs Rich Black in Print

• Paper Choice and Colour Appearance