RGB, HEX, Pantone, and CMYK: Understanding Colour Systems

When working with colours in design, printing, and digital media, understanding different colour systems is essential. RGB, HEX, Pantone, and CMYK each serve a unique purpose and are used in different contexts. Here’s a breakdown of how they work and when to use them.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

Best for: Digital screens, web design, and electronic displays.

RGB is an additive colour model used for digital displays, including computer monitors, smartphones, and TVs. It creates colours by combining different intensities of red, green, and blue light. When all three colours are at their highest intensity, the result is white, while the absence of light creates black. The RGB colour system allows for a broad spectrum of colours, making it ideal for digital applications where light emission is the key factor.

HEX (Hexadecimal Colour Codes)

Best for: Web design and digital graphics.

HEX codes are a shorthand for RGB values and are primarily used in web development and design. A HEX code consists of six characters, combining numbers and letters (e.g., #FF5733). Each pair in the six-character sequence represents the intensity of red, green, and blue in hexadecimal format. HEX is preferred for web design because it provides a precise and compact way to define colours in HTML and CSS.

Pantone (PMS – Pantone Matching System)

Best for: Branding, logo design, and high-quality printing.

Pantone is a proprietary colour matching system used in the printing industry to ensure colour consistency across different materials and printers. Unlike RGB and HEX, which depend on light, Pantone uses a standardized palette of spot colours that remain consistent no matter the medium. This is particularly useful for branding, as companies want their colours to appear the same across all platforms and printed materials.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)

Best for: Print design materials such as brochures, magazines, and packaging.

CMYK is a subtractive colour model used in printing. Unlike RGB, which adds light to create colours, the CMYK colour system works by subtracting brightness from a white surface using four ink colours: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (key). Printers mix these inks in varying degrees to produce a wide range of colours. CMYK is essential for accurate print reproduction, but it may not always match what is seen on a digital screen due to differences in colour rendering.

Key Differences & When to Use Each

Colour System	Usage	Best For
RGB	Digital screens	Websites, apps, digital media
HEX	Web development	Web design, UI/UX
Pantone	Print	Branding, logos, product packaging
CMYK	Print	Magazines, brochures, business cards

Choosing the right colour system depends on your project’s needs. RGB and HEX are ideal for digital use, while CMYK and Pantone are better suited for print. Understanding these differences ensures that your colours remain consistent and vibrant across all platforms, whether online or in print.

Thanks for reading! Reach out if you’d like to talk about adding some colour to your company’s website or brand!