Which color model is commonly used for print materials?

Which color model is commonly used for print materials?

• A. LAB
• B. CMYK
• C. RGB
• D. HSL

Answer: (B)

When preparing print materials, color is handled through a subtractive system using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Inks absorb light, so combining these colors subtracts wavelengths from the reflected spectrum to create the full range of printed colors, with black added for depth and contrast. This makes the CMYK color model the standard workflow for most printers and printing processes because it matches how inks are applied and how color is separated for printing plates. RGB is the color model used for screens, because it relies on emitted light (additive color). LAB is a device-independent space used for color management and accurate conversions, not the common printing workflow. HSL is mainly used for digital design adjustments rather than for producing printed colors.

When preparing print materials, color is handled through a subtractive system using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Inks absorb light, so combining these colors subtracts wavelengths from the reflected spectrum to create the full range of printed colors, with black added for depth and contrast. This makes the CMYK color model the standard workflow for most printers and printing processes because it matches how inks are applied and how color is separated for printing plates.

RGB is the color model used for screens, because it relies on emitted light (additive color). LAB is a device-independent space used for color management and accurate conversions, not the common printing workflow. HSL is mainly used for digital design adjustments rather than for producing printed colors.