---
type: guide
title: "Why Printing Uses CMYK"
description: "Why does printing use CMYK instead of RGB? Ink subtracts light while screens add it. Learn the four process inks and how to convert files to CMYK."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/guide/why-printing-uses-cmyk
tags: ["guide"]
timestamp: 2026-07-20T18:54:40.856Z
---

# Why Printing Uses CMYK

Why does printing use CMYK instead of RGB? Ink subtracts light while screens add it. Learn the four process inks and how to convert files to CMYK.

See [all guide concepts](index.md).

- Page type: guide
- URL: https://www.4over4.com/guide/why-printing-uses-cmyk