CMYK
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black) — the four-color process used for full-color reproduction.
CMYK is the color model used for printing. Almost any color can be reproduced by combining tiny dots of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink. This is how full-color magazines, photographs, and most home printers work.
In screen printing, CMYK requires four screens (one per color) and produces results with a dotted halftone pattern when viewed up close. It works best for photographic, gradient, or high-color-count artwork. For solid logos, spot color is usually a better choice.
In DTG and DTF, CMYK plus white is the standard ink set, and the printer handles the color mixing automatically. Always design and submit artwork in CMYK mode for printing — RGB files (the screen color model) will shift in color when converted at the print shop.
Related terms
Spot Color
A pre-mixed solid ink color, used instead of building the color from CMYK halftones.
4-Color Process
Reproducing full-color art using only CMYK halftone dots — the cheapest way to print photographic designs.
Pantone (PMS)
A standardized color matching system. Specify a Pantone number to get the exact same color every time.