CMYKSysteemi

CMYKSysteemi refers to the subtractive color model used in color printing. The acronym CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). These are the four primary colors of ink used in most printers to reproduce a wide spectrum of colors. Cyan is a blue-green, magenta is a purplish-red, and yellow are the standard primary colors. Black ink, or Key, is included because mixing the three primary inks often does not produce a deep, true black, and it also helps in creating darker shades and saving on the more expensive colored inks.

In a subtractive color system, colors are created by subtracting or absorbing certain wavelengths of light. When white light, which contains all colors, strikes printed ink, the ink absorbs some wavelengths and reflects others. The reflected wavelengths are what the human eye perceives as color. For example, cyan ink absorbs red light and reflects blue and green light. Magenta absorbs green light and reflects red and blue. Yellow absorbs blue light and reflects red and green. By combining these inks in varying proportions, a vast range of colors can be achieved.

The CMYK system is fundamental to graphic design, desktop publishing, and commercial printing. Designers specify colors using CMYK values, which are typically represented as percentages for each of the four inks. For instance, a bright red might be represented as 0% Cyan, 100% Magenta, 100% Yellow, and 0% Black. Understanding the CMYK model is crucial for ensuring that colors appear as intended when transferred from a digital screen (which uses an additive RGB model) to a printed output.