CMY, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow, is a subtractive color model used in graphic design and printing. This color model is based on the idea that when light is reflected off a surface, the colors that are not absorbed by the surface are the colors that we see. In the case of CMY, each color represents a pigment that absorbs a specific color of light. When combined, these three colors can create a wide range of hues and shades. One important aspect of CMY is that it is a subtractive color model, which means that the more color that is added, the darker the resulting color will be. This is in contrast to additive color models, such as RGB (Red, Green, Blue), where the more color that is added, the brighter the resulting color will be. CMY is commonly used in printing, where it is combined with black ink (K) to create the CMYK color model. The addition of black ink allows for more accurate and cost-effective printing of darker shades and colors. In graphic design, understanding CMY is crucial for achieving the desired color output in print materials. This includes accounting for variables such as paper type, ink quality, and printing process. Through careful color management and understanding of CMY, designers can ensure that their designs are accurately represented in the final printed product.
CMY, subtractive color model, printing, CMYK, graphic design, color management
Colour management can be an essential component of successful graphic design. The acronym CMY, or Cyan Magenta Yellow, is the basis of the colour printing process. It is the combination of these three primary colours that creates a wide range of possible colour hues and shades. Through careful colour management, a designer can account for the many variables that can affect the final colour output. When used in the four colour printing process, the CMYK acronym is used; the K stands for key (black ink) which is used to ensure that darker shades are printed accurately and in a more cost efficient way. It is crucial for a graphic designer to understand the basics of CMY to obtain the desired results for any given design project.
Palette, Gamut, Calibration, Hue, Saturation
CITATION : "Rachel Lewis. 'Cmy.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=232723 (Accessed on August 24, 2025)"
As a designer, CMY stands for the subtractive primary colours of light, being Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. CMY allow designers to mix a variety of colours and hues by subtracting various amounts of light from white, which is known as the addive primary colour. In the subtractive colour model, when all three primary colours are combined equally in their subtractive form this produces black, due to the absence of light reaching the eye. CMYK, which is the most common form used by designers, is an acronym for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black). This term is a reference to the four ink plates used in traditional printing processes.
Colour, Hues, Tint, Tone, Shade.
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