Print glossary
What is RGB, and why won’t it print?
Definition
RGB is the color model of screens, which mix red, green and blue light; it can show brighter colors than ink can print.
What it means for your file
Photos from phones and graphics made for the web are RGB. They need converting to CMYK for print, ideally by someone who checks the colors that shift.
How to fix it
If your printer sent the file back saying “The file is RGB, it needs to be CMYK,” the fix page has the step-by-step way to do it yourself, and a fixed price if you’d rather have it done.
Related terms
All print terms in the glossary, or run your file through the free print-ready checker.
Not sure what your file needs?
Ask a question or send the file in the chat. A designer answers right away with a fixed price, and nothing starts until you say yes.