Comp Sci Why do we use CMYK color for printing?

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CMYK is the standard color model for printing because it operates on a subtractive color process, where inks absorb light to create colors, making it suitable for printed materials like brochures and business cards. In contrast, RGB is an additive color model used for screens, where light is emitted, resulting in white when all colors are combined. Using RGB for printing can lead to muddy and inaccurate colors because printers cannot replicate the light-emitting properties of screens. The CMYK model effectively covers a wider range of lighter colors compared to RGB. Understanding the difference between additive and subtractive color processes is crucial for achieving accurate print results.
shivajikobardan
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Homework Statement
cmyk
Relevant Equations
n/a
I will tell my research that i have done earlier here.

CMYK is used for print pieces like brochurers and business cards.
For RGB we need to start on black paper but we can't add light until we reach white because light can't be painted on surface, what does this bold content means to say?
in a monitor, light is being emitted (or added)when you add r,g,b you get white...in ink light is being absorbed(or subtracted) and when you absorb r,g,b you get black

if rgb is used, you get strange, muddy, and incorrect colors from printer. (but the question is why)

cmy cover most lighter color range quite easily compared to rgb.

I want if possible some mathematical representations of this...thanks
 
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shivajikobardan said:
Homework Statement:: cmyk
Relevant Equations:: n/a

I will tell my research that i have done earlier here.

CMYK is used for print pieces like brochurers and business cards.
For RGB we need to start on black paper but we can't add light until we reach white because light can't be painted on surface, what does this bold content means to say?
in a monitor, light is being emitted (or added)when you add r,g,b you get white...in ink light is being absorbed(or subtracted) and when you absorb r,g,b you get black

if rgb is used, you get strange, muddy, and incorrect colors from printer. (but the question is why)

cmy cover most lighter color range quite easily compared to rgb.

I want if possible some mathematical representations of this...thanks
The difference is that with light (using RGB or RGBA) the colors are projected, with changes that are additive, but with paints (CMYK) the color changes are subtractive (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model).
 
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Mark44 said:
The difference is that with light (using RGB or RGBA) the colors are projected, with changes that are additive, but with paints (CMYK) the color changes are subtractive (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMYK_color_model).
so how does additive and subtractive ness means we need to use cmyk for printing? i didn't get that thing..
 
shivajikobardan said:
so how does additive and subtractive ness means we need to use cmyk for printing? i didn't get that thing..
Did you read the Wikipedia link that Mark posted? Which part is confusing you?
 
When light reflects from a printed page, the ink absorbs (subtracts) certain wavelengths (colors) from the incoming light, to produce the reflected light.
 

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