Color can be tricky when it comes to print versus electronics. Print uses ink to produce color, whereas electronics use light. Print uses a subtractive color model based on cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Electronics use an additive color model based on red, green, and blue. Due to these differences, print renders color differently in comparison to electronics. Vibrancy and color consistency between print and electronics will invariably differentiate. The degree of differentiation can range from a subtle shade to a different color altogether. There is no foolproof way to reconcile the color conundrum between print and electronics. The best solution to meeting color expectations between the two modes are hard copy color charts. The charts will not change the differences between the two modes. What the charts will do is allow a self-publisher to see how a color renders in print versus electronic sources. By knowing this, self-publishers can modify color choices to colors that will render acceptably well within both modes.

The use of differing input and output equipment (scanners, monitors, printers, etc.) in computer-aided publishing often results in the unsatisfactory reproduction of color originals in print and online media. This is the first book presenting the basics and strategies for color management in the print publishing workflow with focus on producing according ISO 12647-2 and other standards. The user learns what to expect from color management according to the ICC-standard and how to avoid the pitfalls. The terminology is oriented on practicing professionals for print production.

The Think CMYK series demonstrates how limitations like these can spur on creativity to produce good and innovative designs. The book is dedicated to the four colours of the CMYK colour model. Combined, the four colours provide a perfect guidebook and source of inspiration. Also, they simple make a good collection of inventive graphic design. Cyan, often simply referred to as turquoise, is a bluish-green colour. CMYK denotes the colour-range of four-colour process printing. However, not every print product is being made this way. Often, financial restraints require the confinement to one or two colours or just black and white. Sometimes clients ask for designs made using one particular colour only because it has symbolic value or the colour is part of a companys corporate identity. Therefore, the biggest challenge every graphic designer or illustrator has to face is to work with just ONE colour: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow plus Black.

When is CMYK an appropriate color mode choice? When your main objective is to create for print publishing. Examples include the following: business cards, brochures, and paperback or hardcover books, to name a few.Most modern design software allows working in CMYK mode or incorporates a CMYK preview mode. However, even when working in CMYK mode, you are viewing an approximation of how color will appear on a printed end product. Light is producing the approximation, not ink. Generally, the actual colors on the printed product will vary in darkness and dullness. Thus, the need for hard copy color charts.CMYK Hard Copy Color Charts does not include shades. This book focuses on the most vivid and clear colors possible within the CMYK color range. Albeit, the gray scale chart utilizes black. The gray scale chart includes scaled values for flat black, cool black, warm black, and rich black.