4-Color Process

A system where a color image is separated into 4 different color values by the use of filters and screens (usually done digitally). The result is a color separation of 4 images, that when transferred to printing plates and printed on a printing press with the colored inks cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black, reproduces the original color image. These four colors can be combined to create thousands of colors just as your computer printer does.

The 4 color process is separated into the CMYK format. You can find this format for color in graphical software like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, etc. The CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. The Cyan, Magenta, Yellow are primary colors and can be used to produce thousands of unique colors. The 4 different color values are separated into different plates and are printed in 4 different stops onto the product. Black is added due to the fact that all 3 colors mixed together creates white and black is a required color.

CMYK are subtractive colors or secondary colors of red, blue and green.

Blue + Green = Cyan (B+G = C)

Red + Blue = Magenta (R+B = M)

Red + Green = Yellow (R+G = Y)

And Black = K

With the mix of these colors there is a very close match to the original artwork.

The 4 color process is typically used for products that have artwork printed on them. Examples of products would be pens, mugs, t-shirts and any other product that can have a print applied.

One drawback to the CMYK process is that computer screens use the RGB (red, green, blue) process to convey color to the eye. Be aware and acceptable of the fact that the monitor, 4-color digital printers and 4-color printing presses each have different systems in achieving their color output. Simply put, they communicate colors differently so don’t expect that they will bring out entirely the same results. Color monitors transmit light to the eye through the combination of light-emitting red, green and blue (RGB) phosphors. These differences are slight and can be managed however you need to be aware of them.

One a cost scale this process is reasonable. It is a great way to achieve very good results graphically.

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Randy Fields
President
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http://www.promotionaldreams.com
Office: 818.501.0811
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email: rfields@promodreams.com

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