Colors play a crucial role in branding when designing packaging for your products. If you have ever printed something from your home printer, you might have noticed that the colors that appear on printed paper are slightly different and duller than the ones that appear on your computer screen. Our goal here is to help you understand the differences between screen color systems and print colors. In this detailed guide, we will also discuss the factors that affect your print outcome and how to print colors that are accurately represented.
Color System Differences
The colors you see on your screen are different from the ones you print out on paper.
On-screen
The colors that you see on the screen use the RGB color system. These colors are made by mixing the combinations of three colors: red, green, and blue. Screens can display RGB colors only through digital means.
In print
The colors that printers typically use are based on the CMYK color system. This color system is made up of 4 colors of ink together: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).
The colors are the same as those on your home or office printer ink cartridges.
In addition to CMYK, another widely used color system is the PMS (Pantone Matching System), often referred to simply as Pantone. Pantone colors are spot colors, meaning they are pre-mixed inks used mainly for precise brand colors and for hues that are challenging to achieve with CMYK, like very bright or metallic colors. Although Pantone colors are costly than CMYK, they are perfect for ensuring consistent and accurate colors in every print run.
Screen & Software Differences
CMYK on Screen vs. in Print
When creating packaging designs in Adobe Illustrator, switch the document color mode from RGB to CMYK and provide the closest preview to the final printed result. However, CMYK colors on the screen are still generated by the RGB color system, leading to variations from the actual printed colors due to ink and paper properties. Additional settings within Illustrator can further adjust CMYK color profiles, resulting in subtle differences in appearance.
Device and Display Variations
Colors can vary significantly across different devices and screens. Even simple adjustments to brightness, contrast, or night mode filters can alter how colors appear. Color representations can also differ between device types (e.g., smartphones, laptops, TVs) and even specific models.
Key Takeaway:
Be aware that on-screen color representations, even in CMYK mode, are not always an exact match for printed results. It’s essential to consider the impact of device and display variations when designing for print.
Paper Material Differences
The choice of paper material (substrate) can significantly influence color appearance:
- Bright vs. Dull White Paper: Colors appear more vibrant on brighter white substrates, while duller whites can mute color intensity.
- White Paper vs. Brown Kraft Paper: Colors will look duller when printed on brown kraft and more earthy compared to white paper.
- Textured or Uncoated Paper: The porous nature of these materials can lead to uneven ink absorption, resulting in variations in color and print quality across a single sheet.
- Coated Paper: The coating prevents ink from being absorbed into the base paper, ensuring even distribution and a crisp, vibrant print result.
Printer Differences
The type of printer used significantly affects color reproduction and print quality:
- Offset Printers: In offset printing, the ink is transferred via a rubber cylinder, producing high-quality prints with vibrant colors, sharp details, and crispness.
- Flexo Printers: Direct ink transfer to the substrate, similar to stamping, results in lower print quality compared to offset, making it challenging to achieve detailed designs and multiple colors.
- Digital Printers: Digital printers utilize toners and cartridges. Digital printing is limited to CMYK colors and can struggle to match the consistent quality and color accuracy of offset printing.
- Screen Printers: A versatile printing option, screen printing enables printing on various materials, including paper, garments, glass, and more. It uses the CMYK color system to print colors on the printing substrates.
How to Ensure Color Accuracy and Consistency
Maintain unique color options for digital (e.g., website) and print (e.g., packaging) assets to account for inherent differences in color reproduction.
CMYK for Print Design
Always utilize CMYK color mode when designing for print media, including packaging. Following the dieline design tips ensures print-ready artwork files.
Print Proof Verification
Due to the numerous factors influencing printed color, obtaining a digital print proof on the intended substrate is highly recommended. This 2D printout serves as a visual reference for production color matching, ensuring accuracy.
