This is abbreviated asCMYKor 4C.

CMYK is the most widely used offset and digital color printing process.

Adding additional ink colors results in crisper, more colorful images or allows for more special effects.

Ink in CMYK colors

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There are several ways to achieve more vibrant colors or a greater range of colors.

In general, conventional offset printing is more time-consuming than digital printing.

With offset printing, separate printing plates must be prepared for each color of ink.

It is best suited for large runs.

Digital printing can be more economical for shorter runs.

Whichever method you use, the more ink colors, the greater the time and expense, usually.

As with any printing job, always talk to your printing service and get multiple quotes.

This spot color may not be a color at all.

It could be an overprint varnish such as an Aqueous Coating used for special effects.

6C Hexachrome

The digital Hexachrome printing process uses CMYK inks plus Orange and Green inks.