RGB vs CMYK Checker
See whether your file is RGB or CMYK before you send it to print.
RGB and CMYK in plain terms
- RGB — red, green, blue light. What screens use, and what most print-on-demand services want you to upload.
- CMYK — cyan, magenta, yellow, black inks. The physical printing model; colours can shift a little from screen.
If you design in RGB and your print provider asks for RGB, you are already set. This tool just confirms what your file actually contains.
Frequently asked questions
Why does RGB vs CMYK matter for print-on-demand?
Screens use RGB; most printing uses CMYK. Bright RGB colours (especially vivid blues and greens) can look duller once converted for print. Most print-on-demand services actually want RGB files and convert for you — but it helps to know what you are sending.
Can a PNG be CMYK?
No. PNG only supports RGB (and grayscale). CMYK files are almost always JPG or TIFF, usually exported from professional design tools. This checker reads your file’s data to tell you which it is.
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