Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I know about color?
Digital files can be saved in different color models, and the one you need depends on how you will be using your image.

RGB
This color model is used for on-screen viewing. Graphics for websites and emails should be saved in the RGB color model. Just like your TV, your computer screen uses light to make color. Red, Green and Blue light combine to make all other color combinations. Things that will be printed should not be saved as RGB files, with the exception of images that will be used in Microsoft Office products, which should be saved at 150 dpi in RGB.

CMYK
If your image will be printed using full color (or 4-color), this is the color model you need. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These four ink colors can be combined to form (almost) any color. Your desktop printer uses the CMYK model for printing, so images that you would like to print should be saved in CMYK. (The exception is images that will be placed into Microsoft Office software – see RGB model above). Traditionally, four color printing is the most expensive, but today, there more cost effective ways to print in four color.

Pantone (PMS) or Spot Color
The Pantone color model is used for spot color printing. This is printing that uses 1 or more designated PMS colors. The colors you can print are limited to the exact PMS colors you choose.