Why CMYK Matters for Print Design

When designing for print, understanding CMYK is essential. Unlike screens that use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light, printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) ink. This fundamental difference means that what you see on screen won't always match what comes off the press.

The problem? Figma natively works in RGB color space. Without proper conversion, your vibrant brand colors can look dull and lifeless on paper.

Understanding Color Spaces

RGB vs CMYK: What's the Difference?

RGB is an additive color model. When you combine red, green, and blue light at full intensity, you get white. This is perfect for screens, but it doesn't translate to ink on paper.

CMYK is a subtractive color model. Inks absorb light, and when you layer all four colors, you get black (or close to it). The color gamut of CMYK is smaller than RGB, meaning some bright colors simply can't be reproduced in print.

Common Color Shift Issues

Bright blues often become muddy purples
Vibrant greens can look yellowish
Neon colors lose their intensity
Pure whites might pick up a color cast

How to Export CMYK from Figma

Print for Figma solves this problem by converting your RGB designs to CMYK with professional ICC profiles.

Step 1: Install Print for Figma

Visit the Figma Community and click Install. The plugin is free to start, with pro features available for unlimited exports.

Step 2: Select Your Frames

Choose the frames or pages you want to export. The plugin supports:

Single frames
Multiple selections
Entire pages
Component sets

Step 3: Configure Color Settings

In the Print for Figma plugin:

Choose an ICC Profile: Select from presets like:
- U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
- Coated FOGRA39 (ISO 12647-2:2004)
- Japan Color 2001 Coated
- Or upload your printer's custom profile
Enable CMYK Conversion: Toggle on "Convert to CMYK"
Preview Colors: Use the live preview to see how colors will shift

Step 4: Add Print Specifications

Don't forget to configure:

Bleed: Typically 3mm or 0.125 inches
Crop marks: For precise cutting
Safety zones: Keep text and logos inside this area
Resolution: 300 DPI minimum for quality prints

Step 5: Export Your PDF

Export as PDF/X-1a for maximum compatibility with professional printers. This format embeds:

CMYK color profiles
Fonts (no missing typefaces)
Proper bleed settings
Print-ready specifications

Advanced Color Management Tips

Working with Pantone Spot Colors

For brand-critical colors, consider using Pantone spot colors instead of CMYK. Print for Figma Pro allows you to:

Define spot color channels
Control ink density
Set overprint behavior
Mix spot colors with CMYK

Testing Before Production

Always request a proof print from your printer. There are three types:

Soft Proof: Digital preview on a calibrated monitor
Digital Proof: Printed on a high-quality inkjet printer
Press Proof: Actual print on the production press (most accurate)

Calibrating Your Monitor

Your screen should be calibrated to sRGB or Adobe RGB for accurate color representation. Use a hardware colorimeter like X-Rite i1Display or Datacolor SpyderX.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Out-of-Gamut Warnings

Print for Figma flags colors that can't be accurately reproduced in CMYK. Don't ignore these warnings—adjust your design before finalizing.

2. Using RGB Black

Pure RGB black (0, 0, 0) converts to single-channel black (K: 100). For richer blacks in large areas, use "rich black":

C: 60%, M: 40%, Y: 40%, K: 100%

But for body text, stick to K: 100 to avoid registration issues.

3. Forgetting About Paper Stock

Paper affects color appearance:

Coated paper: Vibrant, saturated colors
Uncoated paper: Softer, more absorbent (colors appear darker)
Specialty stocks: May require custom ICC profiles

4. Not Communicating with Your Printer

Always send your printer:

Final PDFs in PDF/X-1a format
A mockup or reference image
Specific color requirements
Your contact info for questions

Workflows for Different Print Products

Business Cards & Stationery

Use Coated FOGRA39 profile
Add 3mm bleed
Keep text 5mm from trim edge
Export at 300 DPI

Posters & Large Format

Use the printer's recommended ICC profile
Consider viewing distance (lower DPI acceptable for large prints)
Use rich blacks for backgrounds
Test colors with a small proof print

Packaging & Labels

Spot colors for brand consistency
Die lines on separate layer
Consider substrate (glossy, matte, textured)
Factor in coating (UV, aqueous, lamination)

Magazines & Catalogs

Coated or uncoated stock profile
Consistent color management across all pages
CMYK for photos, spot colors for logos
Total ink coverage below 300%

Install Print for Figma from the community
Test with a simple project
Request a proof print
Compare digital design with physical output
Adjust your workflow based on results

Pro Tip: Create a Figma library of CMYK-safe colors. Use Print for Figma to convert RGB swatches, then save them as styles for consistent brand colors across all designs.

Resources

Have questions about CMYK conversion? Join our Discord community where designers share tips and help each other troubleshoot print issues.

The Complete Guide to CMYK Export in Figma