PMS, CMYK, or RGB? Which printing colour suits your project?

At IGO Promo, we help you make the right choice when it comes to printing colours. Whether you're printing a logo, image, or text, selecting the right colour system is essential for a perfect result. There are three main colour models commonly used in printing: PMS, CMYK, and RGB. Each system has its own applications depending on your project.

What are printing colours?

When printing items such as promotional products or corporate gifts, you need a colour system. The three main models are:

• RGB: Used for digital screens.
• CMYK: Used for full-colour printing.
• PMS (Pantone®): Pre-mixed, specific colours for print.

RGB Colours

RGB is used for anything displayed on a screen (such as websites or PowerPoint presentations). This system works with Red, Green, and Blue, resulting in a colour palette that is perfect for digital media.

CMYK Colours

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is used for full-color printing, such as brochures and magazines. CMYK mixtures can create a wide range of colours, but not all colours can be perfectly reproduced with this system.

PMS (Pantone®) Colours

Pantone® provides a fixed set of colours that can be reproduced with precision. It is the ideal choice for branding, logos, and corporate identities where consistent colour accuracy is crucial. The colours are pre-mixed and have a specific Pantone® colour code.

When should you choose which colour?

• Choose PMS for logos, corporate identities, or when colour consistency is essential.
• Choose CMYK for designs with many colours, such as photos and complex images.
• RGB is used exclusively for digital media, such as web design or screen presentations.