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RGB vs CMYK & Color Profiles 2026: When, Why and How
If print colors don’t match your screen, the culprit is usually color space. Here’s when to use RGB vs CMYK and how to manage profiles.
RGB is for screens. CMYK is for print. Mixing them causes color surprises.
Why profiles matter
Profiles define how colors are interpreted. Without the correct profile, the same color values can look different across devices and paper.
What to do
- Use RGB for digital channels.
- Convert to CMYK using the printer’s profile.
- Check rich black and total ink coverage.
Get color right from the start
We’ll help you set up the correct profiles and export files properly.
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Author
Angelina
Graphic designer / prepress
Graphic designer and prepress specialist with 5+ years of experience. Strong in branding, print materials, books and complete print workflows.
Learn more about the SIA DESIGN team →Categories
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