What does CMYK stand for in color printing?

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (where "Key" refers to Black). This color model is primarily used in color printing because it is a subtractive color model. In subtractive systems, colors are created by subtracting varying percentages of light from a white background. When printing, inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are layered to produce a wide range of colors through mixing.

The use of "Key" to refer to black is significant because black provides depth and detail that the other colors alone cannot achieve. Cyan, magenta, and yellow combine to create a range of colors, but because they do not produce a true black when mixed, black ink is added to improve contrast and detail. This distinction is essential for understanding how color printing works and why CMYK is favored for producing printed materials.

The other options do not accurately capture the correct terminology used in printing. For instance, while Color and Key might seem intuitive, they do not represent the standard terminology used in the industry. Understanding CMYK is crucial for anyone involved in graphic design and printing, as it directly affects color accuracy and output quality in printed media.