RGB vs HEX vs PMS vs CMYK: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to colour in design and printing services, not all formats are created equal. Whether you’re working on a digital project or preparing artwork for print, understanding the difference between RGB, HEX, PMS, and CMYK is essential for achieving accurate, consistent results.

In this blog, we’ll break down what each colour format means, where it’s used, and how to choose the right one for your next project. With the right advice and guidance, you’ll be able to find printing services that will match your projects to your original design– no unexpected shifts, dull tones, or costly reprints.

To explore our printing services and colour options, contact our team at Gorilla Print today.

Red, Green and Blue Printing

Red, green, and blue printing, or RGB, are the three primary colours of light used in digital displays. In the RGB colour model, different combinations and intensities of these colours are blended to create a full spectrum on screens like monitors, TVs, smartphones, and tablets.

While useful for digital platforms, RGB printing is not used for physical printing. Most printers rely on ink mixing to create images and get the colour needed for a project. RGB printing uses light that most printers won’t be able to interpret.

Hexadecimal Printing

HEX (short for hexadecimal) is a digital colour code used primarily in web design and digital applications. A HEX code represents a colour using a six-digit combination of numbers and letters. It corresponds directly to RGB values, with two digits each for red, green, and blue.

While HEX is excellent for digital design because it defines exact screen colours, it is not used in printing. Before printing, HEX colours need to be converted to CMYK or PMS to ensure accurate colour reproduction in print.

Pantone Matching System Printing

PMS stands for Pantone Matching System, a universal colour standard used in the printing industry to ensure colour consistency across different materials, printers, and locations. Unlike RGB and HEX, PMS uses pre-mixed ink colours– each with a unique code– so the result is exact and repeatable.

For example, Pantone 186 C will look the same whether it’s printed on a business card, brochure, or fabric banner, because it’s mixed from a precise formula, not just percentages of ink.

PMS is commonly used for business branding, packaging, stationery, and premium print materials, especially when exact colour matching is critical. While it’s not ideal for full-colour photos or gradients, it’s unbeatable for solid, spot colours that need to stay consistent across all media.

Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Key Printing

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), known as CYMK, are the four ink colours used in most commercial and home printers. CMYK creates colours by subtracting light reflected off the paper using layers of ink.

By combining different percentages of these four inks, printers can produce a variety of colours. It’s the standard method for full-colour printing, ideal for brochures, magazines, posters, packaging, and more.

However, CMYK does have limitations– it can’t match the vibrancy or exact shades of some colours (like neon or metallics). That’s why, for precise colour matching (e.g. brand colours), PMS is sometimes used alongside or instead of CMYK.

In short, CMYK is the go-to system for most everyday printing needs, offering flexibility and rich colour output for a wide range of projects.

What’s Right for Your Project?

Choosing the right colour format depends on where and how your design will be used. RGB and HEX are designed for digital screens– great for websites, social media, and any content viewed online. However, these formats don’t translate accurately to print, as they’re based on light rather than ink.

For printed materials, CMYK and PMS are the better options. CMYK is ideal for full-colour printing, such as brochures, magazines, and posters that include images, gradients, or multiple colours. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and widely used in both digital and offset printing.

PMS, on the other hand, is perfect when colour precision matters, such as for brand colours, logos, or minimal designs with solid colour areas. It ensures colour consistency across different printers, materials, and print runs.

Bring Your Colours to Life with Gorilla Print

Ready to bring your design to life in print? At Gorilla Print, we combine expert advice with high-quality materials to ensure your colours look exactly as intended.

Whether you’re using CMYK, PMS, or need help with file setup, we’re here to make the process smooth, professional, and stress-free. Visit Gorilla Print today and get your project started with confidence.

PRINT THE RIGHT WAY