RGB vs CMYK: Which Color Model is Right for Custom-printed Packaging Designs?

When it comes to custom-printed packaging designs, you need to make a lasting impression on your customers by using unique, attractive, and eye-catching colors. 

For branding, colors play an immersive role but only when you use the right color choices for your brand packaging needs. 

RGB and CMYK color printing comes with various differences, pros and cons and based on these differences, you can use them for various color palettes.

That’s why we have compiled this blog post to guide you in detail about both color palettes for packaging printing purposes. Keep reading!

What are RGB & CMYK Colors? 

RGB stands for red, green, and blue, and on the other hand, CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key. RGB colors are normally used for digital formats where you want to design images, social media banners, and flyers for social media platforms. When these colors are mixed to result in providing different hues, more unique colors are created and designed. 

On the contrary, CMYK color printing can be used to print depicting images, unique patterns, eye-catching artwork, and precise designs.

When CMYK color is printed onto custom kraft boxes, custom-printed cardboard boxes, and other paper packaging materials, it comes with a precise and wonderful look. 

How Does RGB Work? 

RGB usually works better than the CMYK color palette as it provides more vibrant colors with less saturation. But the main drawback that comes here is that you will not be able to print any text in those bright shades, so you will need to stick with black ink if you are going with a full RGB color scheme instead of going for just two or three colors. 

How Does CMYK Work?

CMYK color model is usually considered a subtractive color model in that it uses the color of light that is reflected from the main object. You can mix cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors to get one white CMYK color or any other black or darker color than the original image by using the same color in their respective formula. 

When to Use Each Color Palette? 

Based on the differences between both of these color palettes, it’s easy to get an idea of which color palette is best suitable for which packaging project. 

For example, when you want digital printing for flyers and social media banners, you can go for RGB. When you want packaging printing physically, you can go for the CMYK option. 

Which Palette is to be Used for Product Packaging? 

If you want packaging printing for custom-printed boxes, you should use CMYK printing as you are using manual and physical ink to create packaging designs on box packaging.

With CMYK printing, you not only do your job with accuracy and preciseness but also print colors in high quality, creating richer and high-quality graphics. 

If you want to make website designs, web logos, e-flyers, and social media images, you can go for RGB color printing without a second thought. 

Knowing the complete difference between these color palettes will help you identify which one is better than the other and best suitable according to project packaging needs. 

Pros & Cons to Use RGB 

Pros 

• RGB comes with vivid color options, making it suitable for digital displays. 
• Provides versatile packaging printing solutions. 

Cons

• Comes with limited color choices as compared to CMYK.
• There are chances that colors become dissimilar on different devices. 

Pros & Cons to Use CMYK

Pros

• CMYK comes with a range of multiple colors. 
• It is recommended option to produce real packaging print choices. 

Cons 

• Comes with limited color vividness as compared to RGB. 
• Printing with four inks can be costlier as compared to the RGB model. 

Final Thoughts!

Understanding the differences between RGB and CMYK is crucial for creating stunning custom-printed packaging designs. While RGB performs well for digital formats, CMYK is the preferred option for physical printing. 

By considering your packaging project's final requirements, you can ensure your design leaves a lasting impression on your customers.

Remember, if you're still unsure about which one to choose, consult with a YBY Boxes USA packaging professional who can guide you toward achieving the perfect color palette for your packaging needs.