Color Modes in Photoshop
Photoshop itself can be a challenge to those first learning the program. All of the features and how to use them can be quite a mystery. Many are intimidated by the different color modes offered and shy away from experimenting with them never knowing the dramatic impact color modes can have on the final image.
Color modes establish the color model that should be used to display and print digital pictures. Knowing about color modes and models and how to use them in Photoshop is a must for those wishing to achieve professional quality digital images. Take the time to learn what color modes work best in different situations. There are many good Photoshop tutorials and guides that can help you understand how to incorporate color modes into your digital imaging for optimal results for your project.
Before you even begin working with the color modes in Photoshop it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of what the color modes are and why there are different models.
Several different color modes are used to display digital images. Here is a brief overview of the main basic color modes you will come across when working with digital images.
RGB
RGB stands for Red Green and Blue. In the RGB color mode colors are produced by mixing these three primary colors. Essentially you are working with three color channels in RGB mode, each of which the intensity level can be adjusted separately to attain various degrees of colors. White is created by combining all of the three colors.
CMYK
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. RGB produces colors by mixing them together, while CMYK in effect creates color by subtracting varying degrees of each color. For example, to produce white, all colors would be reduced to zero.
Learning about the color modes will result in big improvements in your digital imaging work. Printers use CMYK color while monitors use RGB. This is why there is sometimes a difference in what you see on your PC monitor and what you see on paper. Fortunately there is now software that you can install which will calibrate your monitor colors with your printer so what you see on your monitor is what you get when you print.
