Colors : CMYK vs RGB

What is CMYK? A Simple Guide for Beginners

If you've ever worked with printing or graphic design, you've probably come across the term CMYK. But what exactly does it mean?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) — the four colors used in color printing. It’s a subtractive color model, which means colors are created by subtracting light. When you combine these inks on paper, they absorb (subtract) varying wavelengths of light, producing the colors we see.

Why is it called "subtractive"?

Unlike the RGB model (used in screens), which adds light to create color, CMYK starts with white (like a blank sheet of paper) and removes light by layering inks. The more colors you add, the darker it gets — until you reach black.

• Cyan absorbs red

• Magenta absorbs green

• Yellow absorbs blue

• Black (K) is added to deepen shadows and improve contrast (since combining cyan, magenta, and yellow doesn’t produce a true black)
  

Where is CMYK used?

CMYK is the standard color model for:

• Offset printing

• Inkjet and laser printers

• Packaging and label design

• Any design work intended for physical printing
  

Why CMYK Matters

If you're designing something that will be printed — like business cards, flyers, or magazines — you'll want to create your artwork in CMYK mode. This ensures the colors you see on screen will more closely match the final printed result. If you design in RGB (which is for digital), the colors can shift or print inaccurately.

🔍 Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	RGB (Additive)	CMYK (Subtractive)
Primary Colors	Red, Green, Blue	Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Used For	Digital screens (monitors, TVs, etc.)	Printed materials (brochures, magazines)
Color Mixing	Adds light to create colors	Subtracts light using inks
White Representation	Absence of light (black screen)	Natural color of paper (white)
Black Representation	Combination of RGB (white)	Combination of CMY (black)
Best Use	Web design, digital graphics	Print design, physical media