Guide · Ribbons
YMCKO, YMCK, YMCFK, YMCKK: ID Card Printer Ribbons Explained
What every letter on an ID card printer ribbon means, the difference between full-panel and half-panel ribbons, and how to pick the right ribbon for your Fargo, Zebra, Evolis or Datacard printer.
Why ribbon names look like a code
ID card printers use dye-sublimation and resin ribbons made of repeating coloured panels. Each letter in the ribbon name stands for one panel, in the order the printer uses them. Once you know the letters, you know what a ribbon can print.
What each letter means
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Y, M, C | Yellow, magenta and cyan dye panels, blended to print full-colour photos and logos |
| K | Resin black: crisp, solid black for text, barcodes and signatures |
| O | Overlay: a clear protective layer printed over the card (DTC printers) |
| T | Topcoat: Datacard's name for a protective clear panel, similar to O |
| F | Fluorescing: a panel that prints an image visible only under UV light, for security |
| KK | Two black panels, for a colour front and a black-only back |
The common ribbon types
YMCKO: the standard colour ribbon
The most popular ribbon for direct-to-card printers such as the Fargo DTC1250e, DTC1500 and DTC4500e, Zebra ZXP3 and ZC300, and Evolis Primacy. It prints a full-colour front with a protective overlay. Variants such as YMCKOK add a second black panel for the back of the card.
YMCK: colour for retransfer printers
Retransfer printers like the HID Fargo HDP5000 and HDP5600 don't need an overlay panel, because the retransfer film protects the card. The HID Fargo YMCK full-panel colour ribbon is their everyday choice.
YMCFK: colour with UV security
Adds a fluorescing panel that prints a hidden image, such as a logo or seal, visible only under UV light. It's a simple, low-cost anti-counterfeiting feature for government, corporate and campus IDs. See the HID Fargo YMCFK ribbon.
YMCKK: colour front, black back
Prints a full-colour front and uses the second black panel for the back, ideal when the reverse only carries terms, a barcode or a signature. See the HID Fargo YMCKK ribbon.
YMCKT: Datacard and Entrust printers
The Datacard equivalent of YMCKO, used in printers such as the SP30, SD360, CD800 and CP-series. We stock YMCKT ribbons for the SP30 and for the CD800, CP80, CP35 and CP60.
Monochrome ribbons
A single panel (usually black, sometimes white, silver or gold) for text-only cards. These give the lowest cost per card and are ideal for reprinting or visitor passes.
Full-panel vs half-panel ribbons
A full-panel ribbon has colour panels the size of the whole card, so you can print a colour design edge to edge. A half-panel ribbon has shorter colour panels that cover only part of the card, usually where the photo and logo sit, while the black panel stays full-size for text.
Half-panel ribbons give more prints per roll and a lower cost per card. They're a good choice when most of your card is white with a colour photo on one side.
Don't forget the retransfer film
HDP printers need two consumables: the colour ribbon and HID Fargo retransfer film. The ribbon prints onto the film, and the film is then fused to the card. Running out of either one stops printing, so order them together.
How to choose the right ribbon
- Match the ribbon to your exact printer model, because ribbons are not cross-compatible between brands
- Use YMCKO (or YMCKT) for everyday colour IDs on direct-to-card printers
- Use YMCK, YMCFK or YMCKK plus retransfer film on HID Fargo HDP printers
- Pick a half-panel ribbon if your design only needs colour on part of the card
- Choose original ribbons to protect the printhead and keep prints consistent
Browse all ID card printer ribbons or the HID Fargo range, or ask us which ribbon fits your printer.