Colour mode & colour range

Design print files in CMYK

As a print shop, we work in the CMYK colour range.

Always design your print files in the CMYK colour mode. We automatically convert print files submitted in RGB into CMYK. Please note that conversions of RGB to CMYK may lead to colour shifts since not all RGB colours can be represented in the CMYK colour range.

The CMYK colour range is much smaller than the RGB colour range.

Colour profiles

Colour profiles and/or source profiles are necessary to interpret the colours of image data from different output devices (e.g. monitor or printer) as exactly as possible. Therefore, always use the colour profile adjusted to the product and paper/print substrate in your print files. The respective information can be found under “Data info” on the product pages in our online shop.

Generally, the following ICC colour profiles are used:

For coated paper: ISO Coated v2 or ISO Coated v2 300 %
(e.g. art print paper, MAGIC CHROME)
For uncoated paper: PSO Uncoated ISO 12647
(e.g. offset paper, natural paper, recycled paper)
For other materials: ISO Coated v2
(e.g. flags, banners, displays)

You can download these colour profiles for free from the website of the ECI (European Color Initiative).

Output requirement

PDF/X files contain a so-called output intent specifying for which output requirement the PDF has been processed.

RGB vs. CMYK: differences in colour representation

Colour representation on the screen: RGB (additive mixture of colour stimuli)

This photo in RGB mode has brilliant colours with a high saturation. — Photo in RGB colour mode

Computer, laptop, tablet and smartphone screens work in the RGB colour mode. What you see differs depending on settings (e.g. brightness, contrast, colour temperature and calibration) and processing quality of the screen. In order to achieve colour fidelity (like on print products), screens must be calibrated and profiled using a measuring device. Your program's output preview, also called soft proof, simulates the colour result in printing.

Colour representation on the print product: CMYK (subtractive mixture of colour stimuli)

The same photo in CMYK seems less brilliant than in RGB mode. — Photo in CMYK colour mode

The colour representation in the production of your print product also depends on the print substrate or material selected because different paper types have different characteristics. Recycled paper tends to have a grey-yellowish colouring while offset or art print paper can be more whitish or blueish. For comparisons and to assess paper types, paper weights and finishes more easily, please order and use our paper sample book.

Colour representation with laserjet and inkjet printers:

Laserjet and inkjet printers do not output your print files in a way which is accurate in terms of colour. There can be significant colour deviations as compared to your print product.