Cyan Magenta Yellow Black (Key)

(C-M-Y-K)

This is a subtractive color system where colorants are used to subtract portions of the light illuminating the object and, in so doing, stimulating cells in the eye so they see colors that are left after the subtraction. E.g., a yellow banana has no color of its own (i.e., it does not broadcast the color yellow); colorants in the skin absorb all wavelengths except those producing yellow. While black could be obtained by mixing the three secondary colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow), in printing it is usually produced using a black ink. The "K" in black is used to prevent confusion with the "B" in RGB (and the black color is often also called a "key" color). CYMK is sometimes used but CMYK is the more popular term.

More Information

• Image Formats
• Understanding Color
• Describing Color
• Understanding Color
• CMYK Color Scheme
• Color and Related Information