CMYKvärimallia

CMYKvärimallia, or CMYK color model, is a subtractive color model used in color printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is called a subtractive model because inks are applied to a white surface, and the inks absorb or subtract certain wavelengths of light. The reflected light is what the viewer perceives as color.

Cyan ink absorbs red light, magenta absorbs green light, and yellow absorbs blue light. When cyan, magenta, and yellow inks are combined in equal proportions, they theoretically produce black. However, in practice, this mixture results in a muddy brown color. To achieve a true black and to create richer darker tones, a separate black ink, known as Key or K, is used. This is why the model is CMYK and not CMY.

The CMYK model is essential for commercial printing processes, including magazines, brochures, packaging, and newspapers. Different percentages of each ink are used to create a wide spectrum of colors. For example, a light blue might be achieved with a high percentage of cyan and a low percentage of magenta and yellow, while a deep purple would require significant amounts of cyan and magenta.

The CMYK model is device-dependent, meaning that the final printed color can vary depending on the specific printer, ink, and paper used. This is why color management is crucial in professional printing to ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction across different media. The process of converting colors from other models, such as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) used for digital displays, to CMYK is called color separation.