CMYK vs. RGB (with goal toward sRGB) - JessicaOPRD/docs GitHub Wiki

In 2023 CMYK/RGB conversion mishaps still haunt. ☠️

Adobe Illustrator Tips

Many designers are most comfortable in Illustrator. It turns out a lot of things can go wrong regarding color that ultimately will output to a web-based style guide, as I've learned the hard way. Ideally the perceived screen value in PDF and in web browsers is the same when RGB/hex values have been chosen. Further, taking a screen shot from PDF should not result in different RGB/hex colors.

Check both the document color mode AND proof setup

1. Set File > Document Color Mode > RGB
2. Set View > Proof Setup > Internet Standard RGB (sRGB)

If you do not also set the proof setup, the default may be a CMYK profile. This will shift your colors visually and in screen captures! The RGB and hex values you see represented in color palettes may not be what you also see on screen.

To test for actual screen values from the document color mode, try exporting the file as a PDF. We have experienced some problems with reverting back to CMYK when the file is pushed through InDesign.