Why Do Printed Colours Look Different from the Screen? RGB vs CMYK

RGB and CMYK: light vs ink

Phone, computer and tablet screens create colour by mixing red, green and blue light (RGB). More light means lighter, brighter colour. Print layers cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink on paper (CMYK), and you see the colour through light reflected from the paper.

The two systems cover different colour ranges. Neon green, electric blue, fluorescent orange or vivid purple show easily on screen but cannot be printed with CMYK ink at the same brightness; they print duller and darker.

Your screen changes colour too

The same file looks different even on two phones. Brightness, night mode, blue-light filters and the screen’s own colour settings make colours lighter, darker or warmer. Most screens show bright, saturated colour by default. That is why the site preview or the design image we send you is not a physical colour guarantee; it is for approving layout, text and placement.

When checking a design, set screen brightness to a medium level and turn off night mode and blue-light filters. This will not show the exact result, but it reduces the chance of an overly bright screen misleading you.

Paper and lamination matter

Coated and laminated paper: ink stays on the surface and colours look more vivid. Gloss lamination saturates colours; matte lamination softens them slightly.
Uncoated paper (uncoated offset, bristol): absorbs more ink; colours come out slightly duller and softer.
Kraft: the paper is brown, so colours darken and white areas stay paper-coloured.
Linen and textured papers: the texture can show as a faint pattern in large flat colour areas.

To choose a material, see our business card paper guide.

AI and phone images are RGB

Images made with AI tools, phone photos and images from the web are RGB. When sent to print they are converted to CMYK and the brightest tones soften. If you design with AI, avoid very bright neon tones; the prompts on our AI print design page take this into account.

If your brand colour matters

Use the CMYK value: if your brand has a CMYK code (e.g. in its identity guidelines), use it in the file. With only a HEX or RGB code, the printed tone may not match exactly.
Note the code: write the brand colour code in the order note so the intended value is clear.
Compare with an earlier print: if you have an old print you liked, use it as a reference.
Look at a physical sample: trial prints are possible on eligible products; message us on WhatsApp for details.
Repeat on the same material: switching paper or lamination changes the tone even with the same file.

A short note on black and grey

Large black areas and dark backgrounds can look different from the screen, sometimes greyish. For small text, single-colour black gives the sharpest result. For other file rules, see our print file guide; for questions, check the FAQ or message us.

Frequently asked questions

Will the print match my screen exactly?

No, an exact match should not be expected. Screens make colour with light and print with ink; paper and lamination also affect the result. The preview is not a physical colour guarantee.

What happens if I send an RGB file?

It is converted to CMYK before printing. Most colours come out close, but neon and very bright tones look duller. For colour-critical jobs, prepare the file in CMYK from the start.

How do I keep my brand colour consistent?

Use your brand’s CMYK value in the file, write the code in the order note and compare with an earlier print if possible. For a trial print on eligible products, message us on WhatsApp.

How do colours look on kraft paper?

The paper is brown, so colours darken and white areas stay paper-coloured. Dark, simple colour designs work best on kraft.

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Why do printed colours look different from the screen?