How should I prepare my files for CMYK printing?

All our stickers are printed in CMYK. Convert your artwork to CMYK before you export and upload it. RGB files can change colour in print.

CMYK and RGB

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard colour mode for printing, because printers apply ink in these four channels. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is made for screens and uses light instead of ink. RGB colours can look brighter on a monitor but can't always be printed exactly. Read more in the difference between RGB and CMYK.

Why convert yourself

When an RGB file is printed, the colours are converted automatically. That can lead to:

• Less bright colours

• Slight or clear shifts in hue

• Darker or more muted tones

• Inaccurate colours in gradients and neon-like colours

If you convert the file yourself, you see these changes and can adjust the design before you order.

How to convert in Adobe Photoshop

• Open your artwork

• Go to Image > Mode > CMYK Colour

• Check your colours after the conversion

• Adjust saturation or contrast if needed

How to convert in Adobe Illustrator

• Open your artwork

• Go to File > Document Colour Mode > CMYK Colour

• Make sure all linked or embedded images are also CMYK

• Check how gradients and transparency look

File formats

• PNG files are always RGB and can't store CMYK information

• Use PDF, AI or EPS to keep your CMYK settings

• JPG files can be CMYK, but PDF gives more consistent print results

For the best result, export your final artwork as a CMYK PDF. See all accepted file types.

Colours that can't be printed exactly

Some RGB colours have no exact CMYK match, especially:

• Neon or fluorescent colours (for neon pink, see Pink Ink)

• Very bright blues, greens and reds

• Highly saturated colours that depend on a backlit screen

Tips

• Convert to CMYK early in the design process if you can

• Avoid relying on extremely saturated RGB colours

• Test print small samples if exact colours are critical

• Make sure all linked images are CMYK before you export

For a deeper explanation, read CMYK vs. RGB.