In most cases, no. Images typically appear brighter and more vivid on your computer screen than they will when printed.
This happens for a few key reasons:
- Different Color Modes: Screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors made from light, while our digital press uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) made from ink. Colors in RGB images typically appear more vibrant than CMYK.
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Light vs. Ink: A screen emits light directly into the eyes, resulting in images that appear bright and vibrant. In contrast, printed images rely on reflected light from the paper, resulting in images that are typically darker and less vibrant.
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Brightness settings on your computer screen: Computer monitors vary in brightness, and individual preferences further influence color & brightness perception. It can skew your perception of color accuracy if your monitor is too bright or dim. Additionally, monitors degrade over time, affecting color calibration. Regularly calibrating your monitor ensures a more accurate representation of colors, but even then, some differences may persist.
*If your artwork includes images that are inherently dark or have dim lighting, consider increasing the brightness setting on the art file to ensure that details aren’t lost when printed. Design your artwork in CMYK color mode if possible. If you require a more accurate color proof please contact your Product Specialist or our Customer Care team to request a Press Proof. Additional fees will apply.