Schema for Color Printing
8
Two methods of creating a range of colors exist, called, an “additive color system” and “subtractive
color system”.
■
Additive color system (This system is used by computer moni-
tors.)
This system creates a range of colors by combining varying amounts of
R
ed,
G
reen, and
B
lue (RGB)
light, which is generally used in the color monitor. Adding the maximum amount of red, green, and blue
light available creates white, on the contrary, black occurs where all these three colors are absent.
Other colors can be created by combining varying amounts of these additive primaries (RGB).
■
Subtractive color system (This system is used by color printers
.)
This system produces color by combining colorants such as inks, toners or paint on media, which is
generally used in color printing, where printers create colors by combining the subtractive primaries:
C
yan,
M
agenta, and
Y
ellow. White occurs where no colorant is applied, on the contrary, combining all
these three color in theory yields black. However, to produce more solid black, black colorant is added,
and consequently color printing uses four process colors:
C
yan,
M
agenta,
Y
ellow, and blac
K
(CMYK).
Method for Creating Colors
