CMYK color model

CMYK (or sometimes YMCK) is a color space used in color printing.

• C=Cyan
• M=Magenta
• Y=Yellow
• K=Key (black).

The mixture of ideal CMY colors is subtractive (Cyan, Magenta and Yellow printed together on white result to black).

Because the 'black' generated by mixing the subtractive primaries is not as dense as that of a genuine black ink (one that absorbs throughout the visible spectrum), four-color printing uses a fourth, black, ink in addition to the subtractive primaries yellow, magenta and cyan.

Use of four-color printing generates a superior final printed result with greater contrast.

External links:

• A song about YMCK, to the tune of 'YMCA'