What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

The distinction between RGB and CMYK primarily lies in their intended use and the medium they are designed for. RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue, which is an additive color model utilized in digital displays such as monitors, televisions, and digital cameras. This model works by combining various intensities of red, green, and blue light to create a wide spectrum of colors, making it ideal for on-screen images where colors are created through emitted light.

In contrast, CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is a subtractive color model primarily used for print media. In this model, colors are created by subtracting varying percentages of light absorbed by inks on paper. When printing, the colors mix physically on the substrate, utilizing ink layers to produce the desired hues.

This understanding of the two models reflects their applications: RGB is optimized for digital environments where light is emitted, while CMYK is tailored for materials where inks absorb light. This effectively makes the option that states RGB is for digital displays and CMYK is for print the correct choice.