Why doesn’t the colour on my printed job match the proof I printed on my own printer?

There are a number of reasons why the colours on your printed job doesn’t match the proof printed on your own printer.

Different processes

Printing a proof on an inkjet or colour copier gives a different result to litho printing as these are two different processes. This means any proofs printed using these printers will not provide an accurate colour representation, however they are useful for checking layout, formatting and spell checking. Choosing colours from a Process/Solid to Process Pantone book when designing your job will ensure you achieve the desired colour results once printed.

RGB colours

If you use the RGB colour setting in your artwork, the colours will look different in comparison to your final job. This is because artwork files using an RGB colour setting will be converted to CMYK in our pre press workflow and the resulting colour cannot be accurately predicted. Please use the CMYK colour setting in your artwork files intended for print.

Spot colours

Similarly, if you use spot or pantone colours in your artwork file, even if using the CMYK colour setting, the colours will look different in comparison to your final job. This is because artwork files using spot or pantone colours will be converted to CMYK in our pre press workflow and the resulting colour cannot be accurately predicted. Please use the CMYK colour setting in your artwork files intended for print.

Paper stocks

When you print a proof using your own printer, you may not use the same stock as you selected on your print order. Printed colour varies between paper types, for example, the same colour printed on coated paper will look different when printed on uncoated paper, and printing on coated or tinted paper will also alter the final colour.