How 4 Color Process Printing (CMYK) Works

CMYK Process Printing Features

• It uses the same 4 standardized base colors all the time (cyan, magenta, yellow and black)
• Small dots of these colors are printed at different angles to create the printed image
• The most widely used and cost effective color system in commercial printing
• It’s significantly cheaper than toner based or digital printing for larger quantity runs

The use of color in print increases readership and information retention.
Studies in a major publication revealed that the use of color increased readership by 40% or more. A university study showed a 65% increase in the retention of material when full color was used instead of black and white. See more research about why color matters in marketing. Also see Color in the Printing Process for more information on the use of four color process in commercial printing.