CMYK
A subtractive color model using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) inks for printed materials.
CMYK is the standard color model for commercial printing. Unlike RGB which creates colors by adding light, CMYK creates colors by subtracting wavelengths from white paper using layered inks. Cyan absorbs red, magenta absorbs green, and yellow absorbs blue. Key (black) is added because combining CMY inks produces a muddy dark brown rather than true black, and using black ink for text and shadow areas saves expensive color ink. Converting from RGB to CMYK often shifts colors because CMYK has a smaller gamut than RGB — vivid blues and greens are particularly affected. Professional print workflows use CMYK proofing to preview color shifts before committing to expensive print runs.