CMYK Color Process
In grade school, you were told that the primary colors from which all other colors originate are red, green, and blue (RGB). So why do printers use cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink (CMYK)?
CMYK is the most commonly used offset and digital color printing process. This is referred to as a 4 color printing process, and it can produce over 16,000 different color combinations. Due to lighting on computer screens, the RGB model used on them doesn’t convert well onto printed material. The lighter CMY colors on printed material will more accurately depict the RGB colors on the computer screen, and the key color (black) can create darker shades.
Adding more ink colors will make your print more vibrant and sleek. For higher quality print projects, printers will use a 6, 8, or higher number process with additional colors, such as orange and green. This helps accurately produce brand colors for things like company logos. If you have a print project that calls for extreme color accuracy, a process with more ink options will yield the best results to ensure that the color is matched closely.
The best way to have a print project turn out with your intended color accuracy to is to devote time to preparation. Most printers will convert the colors from the RGB model on the computer to the CMYK model for you, but if you take the extra steps to communicate and work with your printer, you will have a closer color match. This will save you time from improvising and potentially having to go through numerous rounds of proofing. Research, plan, and communicate with your printer for the best results the first time.
There’s no better feeling when finishing a print project than when it turns out looking exactly how you intended it to, and the colors are matched correctly. If you would find it helpful to be educated on our print process prior to starting your next project, we would be happy to assist! Our goal is to provide all the knowledge you need so that you are proud of your print project and your audience is impressed.
I want to thank you for the partnership and being such a great vendor to Lantern Press – our team spoke so highly of you, your staff, response time, and service. It’s times like this that I say, aha! This is why John and I met months ago and I’m thankful to see our companies cooperating together.
Lantern Press
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As a graphic designer, I have been using O’Neil’s print services for many years and keep coming back because of quality and consistency. Customer service is excellent and I always get quick responses to all my questions.
Becky Ankeny Design
Becky Ankeny Design
I’ve been dealing with printers for a long time. Very rarely do they come close to the consistent level of care that we encounter every time working with O’Neil.”
Tuft & Needle
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O’Neil is unmatched when it comes to customer service and quality.
Langham Partnership
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We’ve been very pleased with all of our projects at O’Neil. The staff is always professional, extremely courteous and personable, and shows a true interest in providing high quality printing.
Carrisa Kienzle, Global Training Network
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I’ve always been impressed with O’Neil’s professionalism and communication. From high-end brochures to time-sensitive, variable direct mail, they’ve always come through for me.
Perry Wilson, Fabcom Integrated Strategic Marketing
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Everyone at O’Neil is invested in creating a final product we can all be proud of. We highly recommend them.
Don Newlen, Fervor Creative
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We don’t consider O’Neil just vendors. We view them as an extension of our shop.
Fred Cisneros, Owner/Creative Director, Cisneros Design, Inc.
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I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the service I got working with O’Neil. They were completely transparent and helpful throughout the entire printing process, and explained any nuances or questions that came up.
Adrian Mendez, Designer
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We needed a printer who could assure a high-quality product and provide solutions to our questions when we wanted to try new printing methods. O’Neil does just that and more. They have become a trusted partner in our business.