(And how to fix it)
Ever received a printed flyer or name card and thought:
“Wait… this looks duller than what I saw on my screen!”
If you have ever wondered why print doesn’t match what you see on screen, whether it is a poster, brochure, or business card, this post explains exactly why it happens and how to avoid it. This is one of the most common pain points for corporate teams, marketers, and anyone who relies on print to bring their brand to life.
Let’s break down why this happens and, more importantly, how you can make sure your next print project matches your expectations.
What you see on your computer or phone screen is created by light. Screens use the RGB colour model (Red, Green, Blue), mixing these colours with light to produce vibrant, luminous images. Because screens emit light, colours often appear brighter and more saturated than they do in real life.
However, printed materials use CMYK colour model (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Printers lay down ink or toner on paper, which reflects ambient light to your eyes. This process naturally results in colours that can look duller or less vibrant compared to what you see on your screen.
✅ Tips: Always ask for a CMYK proof before finalising, or preview in CMYK mode inside Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop.
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When you design in RGB and send the file straight to print, the printer has to convert those colours to CMYK, which can cause unexpected shifts, especially with bright blues, greens, and oranges.
✅ Tips: Export your design files as PDF in CMYK mode at 300dpi for the best print quality. If in doubt, ask your designer or print partner (Rarebit can help!)
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Every screen displays colours a bit differently, depending on its calibration and settings. If your monitor isn’t calibrated, what you see may not be accurate to begin with. Similarly, if your image doesn’t have the correct colour profile embedded (like sRGB or Adobe 1998), the printer may not know how to interpret your colours, leading to prints that look faded, muddy, or just “off”.
✅ Tips: For critical work (like logos, signage, packaging), consider using a Pantone colour reference.
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Some colours you see on your screen simply can’t be printed because they are outside the CMYK gamut. Neon and fluorescent colours are common culprits. When these colours are converted to CMYK, they may appear washed out or different from what is expected.
✅ Tips: Skip neon and high-saturation colours — they won’t hold up in CMYK. Opt for print-friendly shades or request vibrant alternatives.
Always set your design files to CMYK if you plan to print. This way, you will see a more accurate preview of how your colours will look in print.
Use professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, which allows you to switch between RGB and CMYK modes.
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Assign an appropriate colour profile (such as sRGB or Adobe 1998) to your images before sending them to print. This helps the printer interpret your colours correctly.
Use the “Convert to Profile” function in your design software, not “Assign Profile,” to ensure colours are translated accurately.
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Regularly calibrate your monitor using a calibration device. This ensures that the colours you see on screen are as accurate as possible.
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For sharp prints, ensure your images are at least 300 DPI at the intended print size. Avoid using images from the web, as they are typically low-resolution and will appear blurry when printed at a large size.
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Before committing to a large print run, order a physical proof to ensure accuracy. This allows you to see precisely how your colours and images will appear on the final material, and you can make adjustments as needed.
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Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request guidance from your printing partner. A good print provider (like Rarebit Media) will be happy to help you understand file requirements, colour profiles, and proofing options.
✅ Set your document colour mode to CMYK.
✅ Use high-resolution images (300 DPI at print size).
✅ Embed the correct colour profile (sRGB or Adobe 1998).
✅ Calibrate your monitor regularly.
✅ Convert all fonts to outlines or embed them for optimal compatibility.
✅ Order a printing proof if colour accuracy is critical.
We understand that it is entirely normal to feel confused or frustrated when your prints don’t match your screen.
The world of colour management and print production can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Rarebit Media, we are here to answer your questions — no matter how simple they may seem — and help you achieve the results you expect. The more you know about how print works, the more confident you will feel bringing your creative vision to life. (Discover our projects!)
If you have a project in mind or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
We are always happy to help you get the perfect print, every time.
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