Color · Color Models
CMYK
also known as process color, four-color process
CMYK builds colors by layering cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks that subtract light reflected off paper. Each value is a percentage of ink coverage, and the K (key) black keeps text crisp and deepens dark tones. It is the standard model for physical printing presses.
Don't confuse it with
CMYK is subtractive (inks absorb light on paper); RGB is additive (light on a screen). CMYK has a smaller gamut, so bright screen colors often print duller. Convert deliberately before sending to print.
In the wild
A magazine ad is prepared in CMYK so the press mixes the four inks correctly.