RGB

RGB is an additive colour model that defines colours by combining red, green, and blue light. It is the standard for digital displays, where pixels emit light to create images. In contrast, CMYK is a subtractive model used in commercial printing, which relies on cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to absorb light and reflect colour.

The primary distinction between RGB and CMYK lies in their light interaction. RGB creates colour by adding light, resulting in a wider gamut of vibrant hues suitable for screens. CMYK creates colour by subtracting light through ink absorption, which generally produces a narrower range of colours. Because of this fundamental difference, designs created in RGB must be converted to CMYK before printing to ensure accurate colour reproduction.