CMYKkleursysteem

The CMYK color model, also known as subtractive color mixing, is a color model used in color printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). These four colors are the primary inks used in most commercial printing processes. When these inks are combined, they subtract or absorb certain wavelengths of light, and the remaining light is reflected, creating the colors we perceive.

Cyan ink absorbs red light, magenta ink absorbs green light, and yellow ink absorbs blue light. Black ink is included because mixing the three primary colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow) doesn't always produce a pure, deep black. Using black ink also saves on the other inks and improves efficiency in printing. The "Key" in CMYK refers to the black plate, which is traditionally used for key details and text in printed materials.

The CMYK color model is device-dependent, meaning that the exact color produced can vary depending on the specific inks, paper, and printing equipment used. This is in contrast to additive color models like RGB, which are used for digital displays. When creating artwork for print, designers typically work in CMYK to ensure accurate color reproduction.

The process involves separating a full-color image into its individual CMYK components, each represented by a grayscale plate. During printing, these plates are inked and layered onto the paper to create the final image. The percentage of each CMYK ink used determines the final color. For example, 100% cyan and 0% of the other colors would produce a pure cyan.