Color Modes in Photoshop
View PDF | Print View
by: DavidPeters
Total views: 1
Word Count: 363
The color modes and color models of digital imaging seem to be a bit of an enigma to those first experiencing Photoshop. The diversity of color modes can be so overwhelming that novice users many times avoid these features without realizing the impact color modes can have on the end results of the 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 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 stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. RGB creates colors by mixing colors together, but CMYK basically generates color by reducing varying degrees of each color. As an example, if white is needed all colors would be subtracted 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.
About the Author
Did you like this article? Curious about learning photoshop fast? Well now you can by getting this free report...what are you waiting for? Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
HTML For Publishers
Please note: This article is free to reprint but all links must remain active.
Rating: Not yet rated
