The CMYK color code for Storm grey is 9, 6, 0, 50.
Storm grey, often associated with its cool and sophisticated character, is a popular color in various design applications. Understanding its specific color values across different models ensures accurate reproduction, whether for digital display or print. CMYK is particularly crucial for printing, as it dictates the ink percentages used to achieve the desired hue.
Decoding Storm Grey's Color Values
Colors are represented in various models to suit different needs. CMYK is the standard for printing, while Hex and RGB are predominantly used for digital screens. The LAB model offers a device-independent representation.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the color codes for Storm grey:
| Color Model | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CMYK | 9, 6, 0, 50 | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (Black) |
| Hex | #747880 | Hexadecimal code for web and digital platforms |
| RGB | 116, 120, 128 | Red, Green, Blue for digital displays |
| LAB | 50.34, 0.20, -4.89 | Lightness, Green-Red Axis, Blue-Yellow Axis |
The Critical Role of CMYK in Print Design
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) – the four primary ink colors used in commercial printing. When designing materials for print, specifying CMYK values like C:9 M:6 Y:0 K:50 for Storm grey is vital. This ensures that the physical printed output closely matches the intended color, as colors displayed on a screen (using RGB) can look significantly different once printed with CMYK inks.
For Storm grey, the CMYK breakdown reveals a low percentage of cyan (9%) and magenta (6%), with no yellow (0%), and a substantial amount of black (50%). This combination results in a deep, cool grey that maintains its neutrality due to the absence of warmer yellow tones.
Exploring Other Color Models
- Hexadecimal (Hex): This six-digit alphanumeric code is widely used in digital contexts, especially for web design and programming.
#747880is the Hex equivalent for Storm grey, directly representing its RGB components. - RGB (Red, Green, Blue): Digital screens and devices generate colors by emitting varying intensities of red, green, and blue light. Storm grey's
RGB(116, 120, 128)shows a balanced mix of these primary lights, with a slightly higher blue component contributing to its cool appearance. - LAB (Lightness, A-axis, B-axis): The LAB color model is a device-independent standard, meaning its values remain consistent regardless of the device. 'L' represents lightness (from 0 to 100), 'A' signifies its position on the green-red spectrum, and 'B' indicates its position on the blue-yellow spectrum.
LAB(50.34, 0.20, -4.89)for Storm grey indicates a medium-dark color with a very slight shift towards green and a subtle blue undertone.
For further exploration of specific color swatches and their detailed specifications, you can consult reputable color resources like Resene's official swatches page.
Practical Insights for Color Consistency
Achieving consistent color reproduction involves understanding the nuances of different color models and their applications.
- Medium-Specific Design: Always design with the final output medium in mind. Use CMYK for print projects and RGB/Hex for digital-only content.
- Color Profiles: Implement appropriate color profiles (e.g., sRGB for web, various CMYK profiles like FOGRA39 for print) in your design software to better predict how colors will render.
- Environmental Factors: Be aware that ambient lighting can significantly alter the perception of a color. A color might appear different under warm LED lights compared to natural daylight.
The approximate Light Reflectance Value (LRV) for this shade of Storm grey is 27. This value indicates that it reflects 27% of visible light, making it a relatively dark color that absorbs a considerable amount of light.
