CMYK vs RGB: Picking the Right Colour Mode for Printing.

Why Does Colour Mode Matter for Stickers?

Let’s say you’ve designed a bright neon green sticker on your laptop. In RGB, it looks electric. But in CMYK? That neon won’t exist. It’ll print dull and flat.

That’s because CMYK has a smaller colour range . Some shades just can’t be made with ink. They exist only in the light world of RGB.

Now imagine spending time (and money) on a sticker run, only to get a batch back that looks nothing like what you expected. You can avoid that by designing in the right mode from the start.

Screen vs Print: Why the Colours Don't Match.

This is where most people get caught out. You’ve got your design open, looks amazing, maybe you've shown it to a mate and they agree. You send it off, wait a few days, and... it’s off.

That poppy red is now maroon.
The vivid purple’s gone a bit grey.
The bright blue? Faded.

Why? Because screens and printers speak different colour languages.

Your screen can show colours your printer just can’t make.

When RGB files get sent to print, the printer guesses what it thinks the colour should be in CMYK. Sometimes it gets close. Often, it doesn’t. You can’t control that unless you switch the file yourself.

How to Convert from RGB to CMYK (the Right Way)

It’s not tricky, but you do have to pay attention. Most design software, like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or even Canva, has options to switch colour mode.

In Illustrator : File → Document Color Mode → CMYK
In Photoshop : Image → Mode → CMYK Color
In Canva : You’ll need the Pro version to pick CMYK downloads

Once you switch, your colours will shift on screen . 

That’s the point. You want to see what your print will actually look like. That way, you can tweak things while you’re still in the design stage.

Quick Tip: Soft Proofing.

If you want to be a bit clever about it, use soft proofing. That’s a fancy term for “see what it’ll look like printed, without printing it.”

Photoshop lets you soft proof using CMYK profiles. It’s worth doing if colour accuracy is important, like for brand logos or large sticker orders.

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being predictable. 

What Happens If You Don’t Switch?

In short? You roll the dice. And not in a fun way.

Here’s what you risk:

• Washed-out colours

• Unexpected colour shifts

• Angry clients or customers

• Reprinting jobs (which costs more)

• Time lost fixing avoidable mistakes

For a sticker business like ours, it’s easier to fix colour issues before printing than after . Once the ink’s down, there’s no Ctrl+Z.

Real Talk: RGB Looks Better (But Only on Screens)

People often say, “But RGB just looks better.” And they’re right, for screens. That’s why online portfolios, Insta posts, and TikToks look vibrant.

But your stickers aren’t going to live on a screen. They’ll end up on water bottles, laptops, bikes, lampposts, or wherever people stick them.

And in the real world, ink rules. 

How We Handle Colour at Tacky And Upsetting.

We always ask for CMYK files. If we get an RGB file, we’ll flag it before going to print. If you’re not sure how to switch, we’ll help. But it’s better for you to design in CMYK from the start. That way, your sticker ends up how you imagined it.

Also, remember: what you see on your screen isn’t gospel. Monitors vary, and most aren’t colour-calibrated. If your colour match has to be spot on, consider ordering a proof before going for a full run.

CMYK Tips for Better Sticker Prints

• Start in CMYK if you’re planning to print. Don’t switch later.

• Use high contrast if your design has small details.

• Don’t rely on neon or very bright colours—they don’t print well.

• Use Pantone colours if your brand colour must be exact (and if your printer supports it).

• Export files as PDF, TIFF, or EPS with CMYK set

• Always check if your printer has any specific colour profile or requirements