Which color model is known as CMYK?

The CMYK color model is recognized as a subtractive color model specifically used in color printing. The acronym CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), which are the primary colors utilized in this model. When colors are mixed in printing, they absorb (subtract) varying amounts of light, which allows for the production of a wide spectrum of colors on the printed page.

In this context, this model is crucial for understanding how inks combine to create different hues when printed on paper. As a subtractive model, the colors are created by layering these inks; the more ink added, the darker the resulting color will be. Thus, the model plays a significant role in graphic design, commercial printing, and any visual communication that involves producing physical materials.

The other answer choices do not accurately describe the CMYK model. An additive color model pertains to how colors are created through light, which differs significantly from the pigment-based CMYK model. A transformation for black and white images does not relate to color models but rather to grayscale or monochrome representations. A photographic color system typically refers to processes involved in photography, which may not utilize the specific color combinations and principles found in the CMYK model.