Which color model is primarily used for printing?

The color model primarily used for printing is CMYK, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This model works by subtracting colors from white light, which is essential for the printing process. When these pigment inks are mixed in various combinations, they can produce a wide range of colors suitable for printing on paper.

In the context of printing, CMYK is particularly effective because it mirrors the way most printers operate. They apply these four inks in varying quantities to create the desired colors. The addition of black ink (Key) helps achieve deeper blacks and shadows, enhancing the overall quality of printed images.

On the other hand, RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is primarily used for digital displays. It represents colors through the additive color model, which is not suitable for print as it relies on light, whereas printing relies on physical pigments. HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) is more of a way to describe colors in a way that relates to how humans perceive them but is not a model used for printing. LAB, while useful in some color correction and conversion scenarios, is not specifically a printing color model. Therefore, CMYK is the definitive choice for any printing applications.