Basic Terms for Color Printing

There are many resources for learning how to use color in posters, brochures, or any other type of marketing materials. The only problem is that these resources cannot help you if you do not know the terms. Below are some of the most common color printing terms you need to know.

Primary Colors
The primary colors are simply red, blue, and yellow. You may remember from art class in grade school that the three primary colors will create any other hue on the color wheel, even black, although not necessarily a true black. The primary colors are found in triangular positions from each other on the color wheel. And

Secondary Colors
Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors. Obviously there are only three that can be made: violet from mixing red and blue, orange from red and yellow, and green from blue and yellow. Secondary colors may also be called complementary colors. On a color wheel, these colors are opposite each other and are, therefore, highly contrasting.

Tertiary Colors
Tertiary colors are created by blending one primary and one secondary color together. Yellow – green, red – violet, blue – violet, blue – green, red – orange, and yellow – orange are the six available. Use tertiary colors when needing less contrast and a muted style.

RGB
Red, green, and blue or RGB are used for designs on the web. A computer monitor displays color through light, and RGB is the primary color scheme for light.

CMYK
Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black or CMYK are best used for printed materials. The reason is that cyan, magenta, and yellow are the primary colors of ink. The black is added because these three colors mixed together cannot create a true black. Often, most design software automatically uses RGB; therefore, you must usually manually select CMYK.

Now that you know the terms, you should be able to easily follow tips on color design. No matter if you look up color meanings, color combinations, or any other color rules, these tips should help you produce better results with color printing.

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Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of the developments in color printing industry and its benefits for small to medium-scale businesses.

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Basic Terms for Color Printing

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