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.
The color modes establish the color model that should be applied to display and print digital pictures. Understanding color modes and models and how to utilize them in Photoshop is a must for those who are serious about professional quality digital imaging. Learn what color modes will work best for different application to optimize results. Many good Photoshop tutorials and training guides are available to instruct on when and how to use the various color modes for achieving the best image depending on your particular project.
Before taking on that Photoshop tutorial though, you need to have the basic understanding of what exactly a color mode is 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 is for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. While RGB creates colors by mixing colors CMYK essentially creates color by subtracting varying degrees of each color. For example, if white is needed all colors would be reduced to zero.
Understanding how color modes work will produce a better result and improve your digital imaging skills. Monitors use RGB color while printers use CMYK color. This can sometimes create a variance in what is displayed on the PC monitor and what is printed on paper. Software is now available to be installed that will calibrate you color monitor and your printer so that what you see on your monitor is the same as what will be printed.
