Color isn’t just color in design—it’s code. It’s how your brand shows up digitally, in print, and everywhere in between. And if you’re not using the right color mode in the right place, your visuals may not show up how you expect.

That’s where understanding RGB, CMYK, HEX, and PMS comes in.

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RGB: For Digital Displays

RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—the three light sources used to create color on screens. This mode is used for anything digital: websites, social media graphics, email newsletters, and online ads.

• Why it matters: RGB allows for bright, vibrant colors that don’t exist in print. If your brand blue looks electric on screen, that’s RGB at work.
• Best for: Websites, digital ads, social media, presentations, videos.

Pro Tip: RGB is not for print. Converting RGB designs directly to print often results in dull or inaccurate colors.

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CMYK: For Print Materials

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black)—the four inks used in traditional printing. This color mode is essential for anything that’s physically printed.

• Why it matters: Printers layer ink in CMYK, and what you see on your screen in RGB won’t always match the printed output.
• Best for: Business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, packaging.

Pro Tip: Always design print files in CMYK mode to avoid unexpected color shifts at the printer.

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HEX Codes: Digital-Specific Color Precision

HEX (short for hexadecimal) is a six-digit code used to represent RGB colors in web design.

• Why it matters: HEX codes ensure color consistency across websites and email platforms.
• Best for: Web development and brand style guides focused on online applications.

Example: HEX for pure red is #FF0000.

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PMS: Pantone Matching System

PMS is a standardized color system used primarily in printing. Each color has a unique number, making it possible to reproduce consistent results across different print shops and products.

• Why it matters: PMS ensures brand color consistency, especially in large-scale print jobs, apparel printing, and packaging.
• Best for: Logo printing, uniforms, signage, custom merchandise.

Pro Tip: If your brand has a flagship color, assigning a Pantone match ensures consistency no matter who prints it.

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Why This Matters for Your Brand

When creating a brand style guide, knowing and defining these color modes helps ensure your visual identity stays consistent:

• RGB and HEX define how your colors look on screens.
• CMYK ensures your brand prints clearly and correctly.
• PMS gives you exact-match consistency when color is mission-critical.

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At Foreman Creative, we don’t just pick colors that “look good.” We define your brand colors across all systems—ensuring every piece of your brand, from website to business card, is seamless and intentional.

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Need a brand guide that’s more than just pretty colors?
Let’s build your color system the right way—digitally and in print.

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Get in touch with us today!
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