CMYKväriä

CMYKväriä refers to the subtractive color model used in color printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (which is black). These four colors are the primary inks used in most commercial printing processes, including magazines, brochures, and packaging.

In this model, colors are created by subtracting light from a white surface. When white light hits a surface printed with CMYK inks, certain wavelengths of light are absorbed by the inks, and others are reflected. Cyan ink absorbs red light, magenta absorbs green light, and yellow absorbs blue light. Black ink is used to deepen shadows, provide contrast, and create true black, as mixing the other three colors doesn't always produce a perfect black.

The "Key" in CMYK specifically refers to the black plate, which is considered the key plate in the printing process due to its importance in defining details and contrast. Printers use a combination of these four colors in varying percentages to reproduce a wide spectrum of colors. For example, to create a vibrant red, one would use a high percentage of magenta and a small percentage of yellow, with no cyan or black.

The CMYK color model is distinct from the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, which is used for digital displays like monitors and televisions. RGB is an additive color model where colors are created by adding light, starting from black. Understanding the difference between CMYK and RGB is crucial for designers to ensure that colors appear as intended when transitioning from a digital design to a printed output.