Why do the colors on my print product look different from what they look on the screen?
The colors on your print product often look different from what you see on your screen because of the way screens and printers handle color. Your computer or phone screen uses RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light to display colors, while most printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) ink. These two systems don’t translate colors exactly the same way.
On a screen, colors are created by mixing light—so they can appear brighter and more vibrant. When you print something out, though, those same colors are made by combining inks or toners on paper. This usually results in slightly duller or less saturated colors compared to what you see digitally.
Another factor is the type of paper used for printing. Glossy papers might make colors pop more than matte papers. Also, individual printer settings and ink quality can affect how true-to-screen your prints look.
If color accuracy is really important for your project (like for branding or professional photography), it’s a good idea to use “soft proofing” tools in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. You can also ask your printer for a color proof before doing a full run.
In short: screens and printers speak different “color languages,” which is why there’s often a noticeable difference between digital images and printed products!