What is Process Printing ?

Definition: To reproduce full-color photographic images, printing presses use 4 standard ink colors. The four inks are placed on the paper in layers of dots that combine to create the illusion of many more colors similar to a tv set. CMYK refers to the 4 ink colors used by the printing press. C is cyan (blue), M is magenta (red/pink), Y is yellow, and K is black, the key plate or keyline color.

This process has been the most popular because it is simple, takes only 4 plates / screen / inks to produce multicolored images. From your magazines to color news papers, the CMYK or "Process" Printing will conitue to bring you rich colored images.

Remember - You can't trust your monitor or your desktop printer when it comes to accurate color-matching. Pantone guides are a far better way to choose colors for your printed projects. Find just the right color for the paper stock you'll be using. One of these swatch books are what you'll want to add to your toolbox for all your process (4-color/CMYK) color needs.