Why Do Printed Colors Differ from Computer Screen Colors?

1. RGB vs CMYK Color Systems

• Computer Screens: Use the RGB (RED, GREEN, BLUE) color model, which creates colors by combining light of different wavelengths. Screens can display a wide range of bright and vibrant colors due to the use of emitted light.
  
• Printing: Uses the CMYK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW KEY(BLACK) color model, which relies on mixing inks on paper. The colors seen in print are created by subtracting light reflected off the ink layers, resulting in a different color experience compared to light-emitting screens.
  

• Printed colors are created with inks or toners, which have different properties from light. The way ink absorbs and reflects light can cause colors to appear different from those on a backlit screen.

• The type of paper used for printing affects how colors appear. Different papers have varying absorbency and reflectivity, which can alter the final printed color compared to what is displayed on a screen.

• Screens and printers need proper calibration to ensure color accuracy. However, discrepancies can still occur due to differences in color profiles and settings between devices.

• Color management systems are used to ensure consistency in color reproduction across different devices. Variations in color profiles and settings can still result in differences between screen and print colors.