CMYK or 4-Color Process Method:The most common method of achieving color in printing is CMYK, four–color process, or even just process; all colors are printed in dots. The mix or overlapping of these colors creates a full-color wheel spectrum. See image example.
Advantages: This process is ideal for high-graphics or photographic-type images that have a ton of color depths. CMYK is the best method to achieve realistic-looking photographs on a printed piece. It uses less process, less screen for print; it can minimize costs and increase print productivity.
Disadvantages: Due to the colors being a mix of dots over dots, there is a higher chance of color variations.
Spot Colors: Spot color printing uses a color system of solid or premixed colors known as Pantone Colors applied only to the area of the assigned color. When printing in a single (spot) color, there will be a separate plate and a single run of the process. If there are two colors, there will be two plates and two runs, and so on. See image example.
Advantages: Spot printing, colors are exact and accurate to the original design because they are assigned their specific Pantone number. Pantone Color is a standardized color matching system, utilizing the Pantone numbering system for identifying colors. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers can reference a Pantone numbered color, making sure colors match without direct contact with one another. The spot color method does not require the mixing of ink and guarantees an actual consistent color in every production run. Spot Colors are generally less expensive when printing three colors or less.
Disadvantages: Spot Color printing is not a great fit for digital print.
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