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

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

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.

Properties of the different substrates

The substrate or material also plays a role in the colour reproduction on your printed product.

• Different paper types have different properties. Recycled papers tend to have a greyish/yellowish tint, whereas offset papers or art papers can have a white or bluish appearance. Order our paper sample book to experience the different paper types, paper weights and finishes up close to help you determine which substrate best suits your needs.
• Promotional items and textiles, too, may exhibit slight colour deviations between the selected spot colour and the actual print result due to the different substrates.