What is CMYK?

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CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), and it is a subtractive color model used primarily in color printing. This model works by subtracting varying degrees of light from a white background using ink, resulting in the desired colors on printed materials. Unlike the RGB model, which is used for digital displays and combines red, green, and blue light, CMYK relies on the physical application of inks. When cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks are layered in different percentages, they absorb light in specific ways to produce a full spectrum of printed colors.

What is CMYK used for?

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CMYK is used in commercial and home printing processes to accurately reproduce full-color images and designs on paper and other materials. It works through halftone printing, a technique that uses tiny dots of each ink color in specific patterns and densities to simulate different shades and tones. This model is essential in producing everything from marketing materials and product packaging to custom apparel and posters. The subtractive nature of CMYK allows for controlled blending of inks, enabling printers to create consistent, high-quality color outputs that match the original design when transitioning from digital to print.

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