What are RGB, CMYK and Pantone colors?

Most graphic software programs give you the choice to work in either the RGB or CMYK color mode. We print full-color pictures and images using the CMYK process. This comprises the majority of magazines and marketing materials you see every day.

To ensure color accuracy, we ask that all submitted files be saved in CMYK. All submitted RGB files will be converted to CMYK before printing. Such a conversion will likely cause a color shift in your finished product and it is not covered by warranty.

CMYK Color: CMYK (short for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key [black], and often referred to as process color or four color) is a subtractive color model used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself. Though it varies by print house, press operator, press manufacturer and press run, ink is typically applied in the order of the abbreviation.

RGB Color: The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three primary colors—red, green, and blue. Typical RGB input devices are computer monitors, color TVs, video cameras, image scanners, and digital cameras. Therefore, when you view your proof on a computer monitor, please be aware that the final print color will be slightly different since we print in CMYK format.

Pantone Color: The Pantone Color Matching System is a standardized color reproduction system. Pantone colors are described by their allocated number (for example, 'PMS 130'). There is a special subset of Pantone colors that can be reproduced using CMYK. Those that are possible to simulate through the CMYK process are labeled as such within the company's guidelines.

Signazon does not print Pantone colors. All Pantone colors are converted to CMYK process by using the CMYK values embedded in your design file. Pantone colors can have different CMYK values in various applications and files so please check your CMYK values carefully if you are looking to have your sign printed in specific color. As a general rule of thumb, do not use Pantone colors. Convert all Pantones to CMYK to get the results you expect. If color matching is a concern, please review this Pantone, CMYK, RGB Hex Color Codes Matching Chart or learn how to Convert Pantone Color.