What the CMYK? RGB and CMYK Definitions

In this blog I’d like to expand more on the tools that you need for DIY publishing.  Specifically,  creating book covers and illustrations that will print the way you want them to.  Let’s start with some computer color definitions:

RGB:  Wikipedia states,  ”The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue.

The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing, representation, and display of images in electronic systems, such as televisions and computers, though it has also been used in conventional photography. Before the electronic age, the RGB color model already had a solid theory behind it, based in human perception of colors.

RGB is a device-dependent color space: different devices detect or reproduce a given RGB value differently, since the color elements (such as phosphors or dyes) and their response to the individual R, G, and B levels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, or even in the same device over time. Thus an RGB value does not define the same color across devices without some kind of color management.

Typical RGB input devices are color TV and video cameras, image scanners, and digital cameras. Typical RGB output devices are TV sets of various technologies (CRT, LCD, plasma, etc.), computer and mobile phone displays, video projectors, multicolor LED displays, and large screens as JumboTron, etc. Color printers, on the other hand, are not RGB devices, but subtractive color devices (typically CMYK color model).”

What does it all mean?  RGB is the standard for the colors on your monitor and other projection devices.  It is not, however, the standard for printers.  RGB colors will look different when they are printed.  For example, the beautiful deep red you selected on your monitor  might print kinda red-ish/pink-ish.  An odd color you may not have wanted.

Now for the “What the CMYK?”  First of all, if you have a printer that supports this standard, be prepared to buy lots of cartridges!  And for the best output to check your work along the way, expensive paper, too!

Here is the definition, again quoted from Wikipedia, “The CMYK color model, referred to as process color or four color, is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, also used to describe the printing process itself. CMYK refers to the four inks used in most color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key black.  Though it varies by print house, press operator, press manufacturer and press run, ink is typically applied in the order of the abbreviation.”

What was the first thing I learned about CMYK?  Black is not black if you don’t choose “wisely.” It’s more grey looking.  It sure  looked black on my monitor, but it didn’t print out that way!  And this was just the beginning!!!  CMYK was for me, more complicated and less easy to forecast the final result.  My graphics designer friends laughed at me because this is the world that they know and live in.  You will get better with practice!

If you want to see a comparison between RGB and CMYK, read this Wikipedia submission.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_space

Let’s get back to the software and tools that you need to get the job done for your covers and illustrations.  I use both of the large print on demand (POD) companies:  CreateSpace (owned by Amazon) and Lightning Source (Ingram).  Here are the differences in the software tools that you will need:

CreateSpace will accept both RGB and CMYK color profiles.  This means that you can use Adobe Photoshop Elements to make your cover even though it is limited to RGB.  Adobe Photoshop Elements is much, much cheaper than its more sophisticated cousins, but it will get the job done in the RGB world.  The bottom line:  You can purchase “Elements” for as little as $79.00 and make a fantastic book cover.  I recommend you get version 8 because that version provides the all important “blue lines” for aligning elements (and that’s a separate blog all by itself).

So, if you only want to publish with Amazon, spend $79 dollars for Photoshop Elements 8 and use CreateSpace. They will generate a book cover template for you.

However (Are you sitting down?), if you want to publish with Lightning Source, you need to step up the software tool set to a more sophisticated product that will support the CMYK standard.  Do you have $799 to spend on one piece of software (Photoshop CS4) to make one book cover?  Lightning Source will only accept CMYK profiles.  They’re the “real deal” folks for mass market distribution.  So if you want to be in the bookstores with domestic and international distribution, Lightning Source is the way to go.  OK, you say, “Other companies will do that for you.”  Of course they will, but keep in mind that most are outsourcing their services to Lightning Source anyway, not telling you, and you are paying a premium price for it.  If you are a DIY’er intent on distribution via Lightning Source, you might as well bite the bullet and buy the right software.  The cost of the software will be cheaper than the cost incurred by some of the self-publishing companies on the market today and you can use your new tool for multiple projects as well as tweaking lots of images, photos, etc.  For most creative people, Photoshop either now or someday, will be a part of their life!

In summary, RGB and CMYK are two very different color profiles that determine the final outcome of your book cover and illustrations.  If you are only going to publish paperbacks on Amazon, save yourself a lot of money and make your cover using CreateSpace and Photoshop Elements 8.  However, if your goal is to be in the bookstores, I recommend Lightning Source and do it yourself with the right tool.  Just be prepared to buy some very expensive software.

What does NovelHelp use?  Well, I have a passion for tools.  I like to use the tool for the right job, which means I have both.