What is cmyk color system

The RGB color model is one of the most important and recognizable systems for color in digital media. While the CMYK color system is subtractive, RGB is a light additive color model, and colors are added together to create lighter colors. The system starts with Black screen , then adds the variations of Red, Green, and Blue lights to create colors, and when all the lights are combined, the result is White. Most digital images and graphics are produced using the RGB color system in which each pixel on a computer screen display represents a certain color.

The code replaces the series, and it changes to a six-digit combination of letters A to F and numbers 0 to 9. In most programs, the HEX number is automatically generated.

The RAL color system defines matte, glossy, and metallic surface colors. RAL is the baseline for coatings. For specific coatings like automotive, other systems are more used, typically vendor-specific color systems from the likes of PPG or Glasurit. RGB is the appropriate color system for designing web spaces, digital advertisements and any other image presented on a computer, tablet or smartphone screen.

CMYK is the other common color system businesses will employ in their design work. CMYK, however, is the go-to color system for designs that will be printed or presented in any physical medium. Thus the need to add a bit of black with the key plate! The CMYK color model is based off of the fact that surfaces appear to be certain colors because of the wavelengths of light they absorb and reflect. For example, things that appear to be red will only reflect red light.

Objects that appear to be white will reflect all wavelengths of light, and objects that appear black absorb all wavelengths which is why you should avoid wearing black in the summer to stay cool. As a subtractive color system, CMYK color takes advantage of this phenomenon by depositing inks on a surface in order to selectively absorb certain colors of light. As shown in this example from LCI Paper, different colors of inks are printed onto a surface in dots and then layered in order to produce the desired color.

This is now typically not used for printing on packaging and it is recommended to switch your design files to the CMYK color system when designing packaging on softwares such as Adobe illustrator. The CMYK color system has become a popular choice for packaging as it consumes less ink overall and provides more accurate color output. Custom packaging is efficient with offset printing , flexo printing , and digital printing using the CMYK color system and creates consistent brand colors for exceptional branding opportunities.

Get in contact with us today and find the perfect color matching system for your custom packaging project! Jana is a Marketing copywriter and strategist at Pakfactory. She oversees their social media platforms and creates content for Pakfactory's blog.

Pretty nice post.