FROM SCREEN TO REALITY: HOW WE GET COLORS RIGHT
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Designing a custom gift is an exciting process — and we know how important every color and detail is to you.
While screens can sometimes display colors differently than how they appear when printed, don’t worry — that’s totally normal, and we’re here to make sure your order turns out beautifully.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why this happens and how we ensure your prints look as close to your vision as possible.
🎨 What’s the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

RGB (Red, Green, Blue):
- Used by screens like phones, tablets, and computers.
- It’s a light-based color system.
- Colors appear bright, vibrant, and often “glowing.”
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black):
- Used in printing with ink.
- Ink is layered on a physical surface, which limits brightness.
- Some RGB colors can’t be replicated exactly in CMYK.
🖼️ Why Does This Cause a Difference?

On screen:
- Colors are illuminated by light (RGB).
- This makes them appear more vivid.
In print:
- Colors are created with ink on material.
- They may look slightly duller or more matte.
💡 Example: A neon pink or a bright turquoise might print more muted or soft in CMYK.
✅ How to Get the Best Color Results
- Design in CMYK mode: Tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or even Canva let you switch to CMYK mode for a more accurate preview.
- Use professional color references: If your brand color matters, refer to Pantone codes or CMYK swatches.
- Order a test print: If you’re unsure, we recommend ordering a sample to check the actual printed color.

Small technical details can lead to big differences in print. At Dearly Ours, we print every order with care and use professional equipment to get the most accurate results possible.
Following the tips above — or reaching out to us — can help ensure your printed product matches your vision perfectly.