PDF basics
CMYK vs RGB in PDFs: Which Color Mode Should You Use for Print?
Understand the difference between screen color and print color, and choose a PDF color mode with your print provider’s requirements in mind.
The short answer
Use RGB for documents intended mainly for screens. Use CMYK when a print provider requests a CMYK PDF. The right choice depends on the destination and the provider’s workflow; ask for their specifications before exporting.
What is RGB?
RGB represents color with red, green, and blue light. Displays combine these channels to show a broad range of colors, which makes RGB a natural fit for presentations, online documents, and other screen-first PDFs.
What is CMYK?
CMYK represents color with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks used in common print processes. Converting from RGB to CMYK can change some colors because the printable range is different from the range a display can show. Review proofs for brand colors and other critical details.
Which should you choose?
For a PDF that will be printed, follow the print provider’s requested color mode and profile. For a PDF that will be viewed digitally, RGB is generally suitable. If a file has both print and screen uses, prepare and review versions for each destination instead of assuming one export is ideal for both.
Export from Figma
Turbo PDF Exporter & Compressor offers CMYK, RGB, and grayscale output options. Choose the mode that matches the document’s destination, review the exported PDF, and confirm any profile or prepress requirements with the printer.
Want to try it in your own Figma workflow?
Explore Turbo PDF Exporter & CompressorView the plugin on Figma Community