CMYK versus Spot Color

Knowing how a file is produced helps you decide how it ultimately has to be printed. Knowing and understanding the difference between CMYK files and two-color files is important.

Recently, we had a print job come up with this difference.  Heather Hunt, project estimator at Executive Press, came to our rescue.

"While there are many advantages to both of the processes, the biggest difference is in the final color,"Heather explained. "While CMYK uses multiple colors to achieve the finished result, many times it is not an exact match," she said.

In a nutshell, CMYK uses a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black to make up the final design colors.  Two-color or duotone process uses one color (usually a customized ink color) and black to match the main color exactly.

"Many times we will encourage our customers to go with the duotone option," Heather continued. "It is lower cost, both initially and in the long run, and it is easier to set up and the inks usually match exactly.  However, photos and other detailed features usually suffer," Heather said.

Having a printing partner who knows the difference in how a file is produced and being able to print that file is critical.  Executive Press has the capability to understand and counsel with their clients on what to choose and which direction to go.

For more information, contact Executive Press at 214-217-7000.

The Executive Pressman