What is CMYK color mode?
CMYK is the color mode used by PrintKEG to reproduce your artwork. The color calibration of Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) determines the final color in your artwork. As a result, your submitted files should be in CMYK color mode to maximize color quality.
Please note that we can not guarantee that the color of your artwork printed will match that seen on your monitor or printed via any other method.
Learn more about CMYK at Wikipedia.
How can I guarantee color accuracy?
It is impossible to guarantee 100% color accuracy. However, you can maximize color quality by ensuring that all submitted files are in CMYK color mode and that the correct color calibration is set for the desired color match. When these four inks (collectively known as CMYK) are combined, they can produce millions of different colors. Changing the percentage (screen) of one ink can dramatically effect the color. Black (K), the fourth process ink, is often used to darken the colors created by the other three process colors CMYK.
When color fidelity is critical, PrintKEG recommends that you order a hard copy color proof. A hard copy color proof is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.
How do I match CMYK colors?
It is always challenging to match CMYK colors 100% on paper. Mixing colors on the computer can be challenging, namely when you are trying to translate specific colors to work in a four-color printing process. However, when color matching is critical, you should use a CMYK chart and enter the values that best reflect the color you are trying to reach.
Your software program and file type impact the best way to do color matching. Software programs have different tools to do color corrections, and some programs do not have any tools for color corrections. When printing a process (CMYK) document, you should make sure all of your colors are made up of process inks. For example, one hue of green can be made by combining 100% cyan and 100% yellow, and that hue can be changed by reducing the amount of yellow or cyan, or adding small amounts of magenta or black.
When color fidelity is critical, PrintKEG recommends that you order a hard copy color proof. A hard copy color proof is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.
What if I want to create a solid black area?
When you want an area of solid black within a document, 100% black (K) will not result in a solid, saturated black. You should use rich black, which is made by mixing other colors of ink with black ink to produce a much darker, deeper black on press than can be achieved by using black ink alone. To create rich black on pieces printed by PsPrint, your CMYK calibration values must be 50% Cyan (C), 40% Magenta (M), 40% Yellow (Y), and 100% Black (K).
Does lighting impact color quality?
Yes. Lighting is important since it will affect how your artwork is perceived in terms of brightness, contrast and color. Ambient lighting, while viewing a digital image file on screen, needs to be considered. A bright room tends to yield darker than expected files, especially when printed. A dark room does the opposite. As a result, we recommend that a room be darker rather than lighter, but also consistent from morning through night.