RGB and CMYK are two distinct color models used for different purposes in the world of digital and print media. Here are the key differences between RGB and CMYK:

Color Model Type:

RGB (Red, Green, Blue): RGB is an additive color model used for electronic displays like computer monitors, television screens, and digital devices. It combines red, green, and blue light at varying intensities to create a wide range of colors.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black): CMYK is a subtractive color model used in the printing industry for producing physical prints, such as magazines, brochures, posters, and packaging materials. It subtracts cyan, magenta, yellow, and often black ink from a white background to create colors.

Primary Colors:

RGB: The primary colors in the RGB model are red, green, and blue. Mixing these three colors at full intensity produces white light.

CMYK: The primary colors in the CMYK model are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (the "K" stands for Key, which often represents black). Mixing these colors at full intensity typically results in black or a dark color.

Application:

RGB: RGB is ideal for digital media, such as websites, digital artwork, photography, and displays. It is used for creating vibrant and vivid colors in electronic devices.

CMYK: CMYK is mainly used in the printing industry to produce physical, full-color prints, including books, magazines, brochures, and packaging materials.

Color Gamut:

RGB: RGB has a larger color gamut and can reproduce a wider range of colors compared to CMYK. It is suitable for displaying bright and saturated colors on screens.

CMYK: CMYK has a more limited color gamut, and it may not be able to reproduce the same level of vibrancy and brightness as RGB. Some highly saturated RGB colors may not be accurately reproduced in CMYK printing.

Color Representation:

RGB: Colors in the RGB model are represented using three channels, each ranging from 0 to 255, indicating the intensity of red, green, and blue. For example, pure red is represented as (255, 0, 0).

CMYK: Colors in the CMYK model are represented using percentages, with 0% indicating no ink and 100% indicating full ink coverage. For example, pure red in CMYK might be represented as (0%, 100%, 100%, 0%).

The key difference between RGB and CMYK is that RGB is an additive color model used for digital displays, while CMYK is a subtractive color model used for print media. When preparing digital content for print, it's important to convert RGB images to CMYK to ensure the colors look as intended in the final printed product. Converting between the two color models may result in some color shifts, so it's essential to adjust and proof the colors accordingly.

It's worth noting that when designing for both digital and print, you should be aware of the differences between these color models and make the necessary adjustments to ensure consistency and accuracy in your visuals.