Which color model is primarily used for print design?

The color model primarily used for print design is the CMY model, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. This model is based on the principle of subtractive color mixing, where colors are created by subtracting varying amounts of light from white. In print design, inks are applied to paper, and the combination of these inks absorbs (subtracts) certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the colors that we see.

CMY is particularly effective for producing a wide range of colors in print since it allows for the mixing of various ink colors to achieve the desired hues. Additionally, it is important to note that many printing processes also incorporate black (K) into this model, leading to the commonly used CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key/Black) model, which enhances contrast and depth in printed materials.

The other color models listed, such as RGB, HSV, and HSL, are primarily used for digital design and screen displays. RGB (Red, Green, Blue), for instance, is based on additive color mixing, where different intensities of red, green, and blue light are combined to create colors. This model is essential for anything that is viewed on electronic screens, making it unsuitable for print applications