What is CMYK, and how does it differ from RGB?

Let’s dive deeper into CMYK and RGB color models:

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black):

1. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black: CMYK is a subtractive color model used in color printing. It utilizes four primary colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—to create a wide range of colors by subtracting varying amounts of light from white paper. Each color represents a pigment that absorbs certain wavelengths of light, resulting in different color combinations.
2. Subtractive Color Mixing: In CMYK, colors are created by subtracting different percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks from a white background. For example, mixing cyan and yellow inks creates green, while mixing magenta and yellow inks creates red.
3. Printing Process: CMYK is widely used in color printing processes such as offset printing, digital printing, and inkjet printing. These printing methods apply layers of translucent ink in cyan, magenta, yellow, and black onto paper or other substrates to reproduce colors accurately.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue):

1. Red, Green, and Blue: RGB is an additive color model used in electronic displays, such as computer monitors, television screens, and digital projectors. It utilizes three primary colors—red, green, and blue—to produce a broad spectrum of colors by adding different intensities of light.
2. Additive Color Mixing: In RGB, colors are created by combining different intensities of red, green, and blue light. When all three colors are mixed at full intensity, they produce white light. Adjusting the intensity of each color allows for the creation of millions of different colors.
3. Digital Displays: RGB is the standard color model for digital displays because electronic devices emit light directly from pixels on the screen. Each pixel contains red, green, and blue subpixels that combine to create the desired color when illuminated.

Key Differences:

1. Purpose: CMYK is used for printing because it reflects light and creates colors by subtracting wavelengths from white paper. RGB is used for digital displays because it emits light and creates colors by adding different intensities of light from red, green, and blue sources.
2. Representation: CMYK represents colors using pigment-based inks or dyes on physical surfaces, such as paper or fabric. RGB represents colors using light emitted from electronic displays, such as computer monitors or television screens.
3. Color Range: RGB can produce a wider range of bright and vibrant colors suitable for electronic displays. CMYK has a more limited color gamut, particularly in reproducing certain bright and saturated colors, due to the subtractive nature of pigment-based inks.

In summary, CMYK and RGB are two distinct color models used in printing and digital displays, respectively, each with its own set of primary colors, color mixing principles, and applications. Understanding these differences is crucial for achieving accurate color reproduction in both print and digital media.