? RGB: Red, Green, Blue Used for: Digital displays (screens, monitors, TVs, cameras)

• Additive colour model: Colours are created by adding light.
• Starts with black: Adding red, green, and blue light together at full intensity creates white.
• Colour range: Can produce very vibrant and bright colours, especially on backlit screens.
• Common file formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, SVG (for web and digital use)

Example:

• A website, mobile app, or social media graphic should be designed in RGB.

?️ CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black) Used for: Print materials (brochures, posters, packaging, magazines)

• Subtractive colour model: Colours are created by subtracting light reflected off a white surface.
• Starts with white: Adding all inks together ideally results in black (though in practice, it’s a muddy brown—hence the use of true black ink).
• Colour range: More limited than RGB; some bright colours in RGB can’t be replicated exactly in CMYK.
• Common file formats: PDF, AI, EPS, TIFF (for print-ready files).

Example:

• A business card or flyer for print should be designed in CMYK to ensure accurate colour reproduction.

If you’re designing something, the rule of thumb is:

• RGB for screen
• CMYK for print