CMYKsüsteemi

The CMYK color model is a subtractive color model used in color printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is used because printing presses typically use these four ink colors to produce a wide range of other colors. When printing, white paper reflects all colors of light. By applying inks, certain wavelengths of light are absorbed, and others are reflected. Cyan ink absorbs red light, magenta absorbs green light, and yellow absorbs blue light. The combination of these three inks can theoretically create black, but in practice, it results in a muddy brown. Therefore, black ink (Key) is added to achieve deeper blacks and more neutral grays.

The 'K' in CMYK stands for Key, referring to the key plate, which was traditionally the plate that carried the detail or black ink. In printing, the CMY inks are often referred to as process colors. The CMYK model is distinct from the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) model, which is additive and used for displays like computer monitors and televisions. In RGB, colors are created by adding light together, with white being the combination of all three primary colors and black being the absence of light. Understanding the difference between CMYK and RGB is crucial for ensuring that colors appear as intended when moving between digital design and print.