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.

RELATED MARKETING & DESIGN TIPS

Custom Die Cutting: Stand Out From the Crowd

Specialty Printing Options

Get Specialty Printing done to enhance your marketing materials with die cuts, foil stamping, embossing, custom papers or folds that can make you stand out

Using Embossing on Brochures

Get custom embossing on your brochures to turn them from ordinary to exceptional and significantly increase their impact and success

After You Order

How to make changes to your options and track your printing order

Embossed Business Cards

Embossed business cards make an impression that sets you apart from the crowd of mediocre competitors. Expert embossing design and technical assistance

Printing Paper Type Descriptions

Descriptions of types of papers used in commercial full color printing including gloss, uncoated, matte and dull text and cover weight stock and paper

Spot UV Printing

Get exceptional Spot UV printing for your marketing materials. Numerous Spot UV coating options can enhance your printed piece and really get you noticed

Custom Magnets

Get high quality full color custom magnets made in whatever size, shape or color you need to market your business. See lots of design ideas for custom magnet printing that will keep your business in front of your customers and…

Gate Fold Brochure Design Review

Color Management 101 – Monitor Calibration

We demystify certain elements of color management and suggest helpful tools for monitor calibration and profiling for better printing accuracy

Hot Foil Stamping – Make Your Printing Pop

Foil stamping, hot stamping or hot foil stamping is the application of pigmented or metallic foil to paper using pressure and a heated die.

Printing Terms & Glossary

Now you’re speaking our language (and yes, we’ve used every single one of these).

Envelope Sizes

Custom Printing of Diplomas, Awards, and Certificates

Trade Printing

Trade and reseller printing services and why you might want to use a trade printer for your commercial printing needs

Color Printing Design Tips

Catalog Binding Options

Learn which catalog binding options work best for different types of catalogs, booklets and manuals based on page count, use cases and other factors

Brochure Marketing – A Vital Component for Your Business

Paper Belly Bands

A wide variety of paper belly band printing options to enhance the packaging of your product or printed material

The Basics of Professional Printing

How to get the most out of professional printing services, including paper choices, mailing services, and custom printing options.

Graphic Design Help

Marketing & Design Tips

Guides
Jumping into the world of printing? We’ve put together these handy resources to help you get your footing.

Templates

Templates

Templates
Pre-made templates are a great way to springboard your creativity and make sure everything is laid out exactly the way you need it. Utilize one of our printing templates and speed up the printing process even more.

Blog Articles

Blog Articles
We’ve compiled a list of our best blog posts to help you dive into custom printing