CMYK

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) — the four ink colours used in full-colour printing. The CMYK model works by subtractive colour mixing: inks absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, with the combination of different ink percentages producing a wide range of colours. In theory, mixing cyan, magenta, and yellow at full density should produce black, but in practice the result is a muddy dark brown, which is why black (Key) is added as a fourth ink. Logo designers must understand the CMYK colour model because colours specified in RGB (for screens) can look noticeably different when converted to CMYK for print. Bright, saturated colours — especially vivid blues, greens, and oranges — are particularly prone to appearing duller in CMYK. Professional logo design always includes CMYK values in brand guidelines alongside RGB and Pantone specifications, ensuring consistent colour reproduction across print media.