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ACE TIPS: INK DENSITY
EXPLAINED
Ink Bottles

HIGH INK
DENSITY ERROR

A common issue that clients encounter when submitting artwork to our proofing/print is a "High Ink Density" Error.

WHAT IS INK
DENSITY?

Ink density is the combined value of all CMYK inks in an area. If the ink density for any specific area exceeds a specified amount, it can cause print issues such as bleeding, spreading or failing to dry properly.
Ink Drops
Print

PROPER INK
DENSITY VALUES

Our print system flags raster items at any value above 310%, & vector items at values over 280%.
This number is calculated based upon the percentage of each CMYK value. For example, our "rich black" value is C30 M20 Y20 K100, which equals a value of 170%.

WAYS TO AVOID
HIGH INK DENSITY
ISSUES:

CMYK Chart

CMYK GRACoL

Build all files in CMYK
using the GRACoL profile.
Dropper

TOTAL INK VALUES

Be conscious of total ink values
when selecting colors, especially
dark colors.

WAYS TO AVOID
HIGH INK DENSITY
ISSUES:

Color Circle

AVOID RGB

Avoid building in RGB and converting
to CMYK, this can lead to high ink
density values.
RGB CMYK

CONVERTING IMAGES

When converting images from RGB to CMYK, select the GRACoL profile. Once the image has been converted, optimize the color/contrast to avoid overly dark shadows.