Why Your Printout Colors Look Different (RGB vs CMYK)
The screen glows, the paper reflects. That changes everything.
You designed a stunning poster in Canva with neon blues and electric greens. But when you printed it, it came out looking muddy and dull.
Don't blame the printer. Blame physics.
RGB: The Language of Screens
Your phone, laptop, and TV use Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) light to create colors.
- ADDITIVE Color: It starts with black (screen off) and adds light.
- Range: Can show millions of bright, neon colors.
CMYK: The Language of Printers
Printers don't emit light; they put ink on paper. They use Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).
- SUBTRACTIVE Color: Ink absorbs light.
- Range: Much smaller than screens. It essentially cannot print "Neon".
The "Shift" Problem
When you print an RGB file, the printer software converts it to CMYK.
The Danger Zone: Bright Blues and Neon Greens suffer the most. They turn into dull purples or muddy forest greens.
How to Fix It?
1. Design in CMYK: If you are using Photoshop or Illustrator, set the document mode to CMYK before you start.
2. Avoid Neons: Stick to standard colors if you know it's for print.
3. Check Proofs: Don't trust your screen. Print one page first.