Colors are essential in design and communication. Yet we often notice confusion about the different color codes and systems: CMYK, PMS, RAL, RGB, and HEX. Each system has its own purpose and ideal use case. In this article, we explain what the differences are, why they matter, and when to use each one.

CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This color model is used for print. Printers mix these four base colors to create a wide range of colors. The downside: not all colors you see on your screen can be reproduced exactly in CMYK.

PMS
PMS stands for Pantone Matching System. This is a standardized system in which each color is assigned a unique number. PMS colors are mainly used in branding and print work where exact color consistency is crucial, such as logos, letterheads, or packaging.

RAL
RAL is a European color coding system widely used in industry, paint, construction, and interior design. Each RAL color has a unique number (such as RAL 9010 or RAL 3020) that corresponds to a specific, physically measured shade. RAL is primarily used for paints, coatings, and varnishes, but also for applications such as vehicle graphics and adhesive films, ensuring that materials have the same color in practice — regardless of manufacturer or product type.

RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue. This color model is used for anything that emits light, such as computer screens, TVs, and phones. Colors are created by mixing light: the more light, the brighter the color.

HEX
HEX is a hexadecimal code primarily used in web design. It is essentially a way to represent RGB colors in code, for example #FF5733. This makes it easy for developers to apply exact colors to websites or apps.