I need to create some prints using sublimation and I’ve created the images in a CMYK file. Compared to the RGB format, the colours aren’t as vivid. When I come to do the sublimation printing, will the colours be brighter or does this type of file always produce lighter colours?

Firstly, it’s worth bearing in mind that sublimation prints which have just come out of the printer always look different to how they appear on the monitor. This is because, regardless of the usual differences you get between what’s displayed on screen and what’s printed on paper, freshly printed sublimation colours always tend to change colour slightly, giving an almost magenta tone, depending on the shade.

It’s always better to work in CMYK and then carry out some print tests before proceeding to the final print run.

The main difference between CMYK and RGB lies in the number of colours and the intensity of each colour tone. RGB colours are more vibrant, and the colour range is much wider.

CMYK colours, on the other hand, are more subtle and the colour range is narrower. This is the method that’s commonly used in colour printing.