Xerox DocuColor 5252 Digital Color Press with Fiery EXP5000 Betriebsanweisung

A familiar device that is based on this color model is the computer monitor, illustrated in the 
following figure. Monitors have red, green, and blue 

 that emit varying amounts of 

light to display a given color. Scanners create digital representations of colors by measuring 
their red, green, and blue components through colored filters.

The subtractive color model is the basis for color printing, color photographic prints, and 
transparencies. While the additive color model simulates the visible spectrum of color by 
adding light of three primary hues, the subtractive color model starts with a “white” or neutral 
light source containing light of many wavelengths. Inks, toners, or other 

 are used to 

selectively absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light that otherwise would be reflected or 
transmitted by the media in use. 

 are cyan, magenta, and yellow; they absorb red, green, and blue 

light, respectively (as illustrated in the following figure). Combining any two subtractive 
primaries creates a new color that is relatively pure or saturated. For example, you can make 
red by combining magenta and yellow, which absorb green and blue light, respectively. White 
occurs when no colorant is applied. In theory, combining all three subtractive primaries yields 
black, but due to deficiencies of cyan, magenta, and yellow colorants, combining these three 
primaries actually yields a muddy brown. Black colorant is added to compensate for the 
deficiencies of cyan, magenta, and yellow colorants. Consequently, color printing uses four 

yan, 

agenta, 

ellow, and blac

). The use of black toner produces 

rich, solid blacks and allows for improved rendering of black text.