Color systems
When you define colors in Canvas, you can use CMYK, RGB, and
Grayscale color systems. Or, you can use a color matching system to
select colors for commercial printing.
CMYK colors
The CMYK color system is used in four-color process printing. In
this system, you define colors as mixtures of Cyan (C), Magenta (M),
Yellow (Y), and Black (K) printing inks.
For example, to create green, you mix cyan and yellow.
The CMYK system is appropriate for illustrations that will be sepa-
rated for commercial printing.
RGB colors
The RGB color system is used in computer monitors. In this system,
you define colors as mixtures of Red (R), Green (G), and Blue (B)
light.
For example, to create purple, you mix red and blue.
The RGB system is appropriate for graphics displayed on a monitor,
such as presentations and web pages.
You should avoid RGB colors in documents intended for commercial
printing. Canvas will convert RGB colors to CMYK colors if you
output color separations.
The HSL models in the Color manager let you define RGB colors
using Hue (H), Saturation (S), and Lightness (L) values. This way of
defining colors is familiar to artists. HSL models let you adjust satu-
ration and lightness, without changing a basic hue, such as red or
green.
Grayscale colors
The Grayscale model lets you define shades of gray. Grayscale colors
are neutral when used with RGB or CMYK colors. For example, in
RGB Color images, grayscale colors are equal amounts of red, green,
and blue. In image channels, Grayscale colors are pure gray. In vec-
tor objects, text, or CMYK Color images, Grayscale colors are per-
centages of black. In color separations, Grayscale colors appear as
percentages of black.
Tip
Colors displayed on a monitor
can only approximate the
appearance of printed colors.
Be sure to discuss color repro-
duction with your commercial
printer and obtain accurate
proofs for color projects.