While monitors use RGB (Red Green Blue) to preview full-color images (so type of color is not an issue), traditional printing uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) also known as Four color Process printing (or simply Four color). In this method of printing, the design is set up so that it uses percentages of the 4 base 4 color process printinginks. These percentages are created using varying sizes and densities of dots - most noticeable in the low resolution printing of most newspapers.

When these varying amounts of the 4 base inks are printed one over the other, the resulting variations will print as new colors. Rather than having the color tones premixed like Spot color inks, we are basically having the inks mixed 'on the fly' on the press instead. Four color Reproduction is generally more expensive than Spot colors and color accuracy is largely dependant on the skill and professionalism of the shop printing your material. It should be noted that the colors created by 4 color Process printing are not solid colors at all, but rather a series of dots (see insert above). This is most noticeable in the photographs reproduced in your local newspaper. Four color reproduction can utilize either vector based or pixel based versions of your logo as long as the image has adequate resolution.

Pros of four color process logos

Unlimited colors & choices. For all intents and purposes, there are no limitations to he colors you can have built into your new logo. Unlike spot color logos which have to use tones and screens to create the effect of additional colors, process logos can use any color that the designer or client desires.

Special FX friendly. While not recommended for the primary version of your logo, there will be the occasion that you'll want to throw some special FX at your logo. Lens flares, drop shadows, glows, etc. Most of these special FX filters require pixel based images to work, and pixel based images generally require four color process to print (it should be noted here that many special FX also require an RGB palette to work, and when converted without any color correction can appear dull and lifeless when printed as CMYK. Your designer will help you if you choose to get this route).

Adaptable in print. When adding your logo to a printed piece that is to be printed using 4 color process, it's generally just a matter of slapping your logo into the artwork and you're done whereas logos created in spot color can require color correction before hand.