CMYK vs. RGB: How to Choose the Right Color Space for Your Labels

CMYK vs. RGB: How to Choose the Right Color Space for Your Labels

by | Feb 9, 2025 | Label Design

If you’ve ever wondered why your colors look different on-screen than they do in print, this video is for you.

In our latest tutorial, we explore two common color spaces—CMYK and RGB—and explain why CMYK is critical when designing labels for print.

Watch the embedded video below and read on for a detailed overview.

Why CMYK vs. RGB Matters

  • CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
    • Best for anything going to print.
    • Prints on surfaces that reflect light rather than transmitting it.
    • More accurately represents how your final printed labels will look.
  • RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
    • Best for digital displays (computer screens, TVs, projectors).
    • Has a wider color range than CMYK.
    • Many bright colors in RGB can’t be reproduced exactly in CMYK.

Setting Up Your Document in CMYK

  1. Check Your File Mode
    • In Adobe Illustrator, go to File > Document Color Mode, then select CMYK Color.
    • Anything you create or import will adopt the CMYK color space.
  2. Convert Imported Images
    • If you’re using Photoshop artwork in your Illustrator file, open that image in Photoshop.
    • Go to Image > Mode, and select CMYK Color.
    • Expect a slight color shift—especially if the image has colors that don’t exist in the CMYK range.
  3. Be Ready for Changes
    • Some vibrant colors—like intense greens or pinks—may dull or shift noticeably when you switch from RGB to CMYK.
    • Converting ahead of time lets you see these shifts before sending your files to print.

Example: Bright Colors in RGB

In the video, we demonstrate how colors like neon greens and pinks can appear vivid in RGB but look more muted in CMYK. This is a normal (yet sometimes surprising) result of working within a smaller color space. By converting to CMYK early in your design process, you’ll avoid unexpected color shifts on the press.

Video: Watch and Learn

Here’s the full walkthrough in our video. We’ll show you exactly how to switch color modes in Illustrator and Photoshop, why it matters, and what to watch out for when working with especially bright hues.