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turner111
Inspiring
August 18, 2021
Answered

Quick question on black ink representation on-screen

  • August 18, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 601 views

Hello!

I am working on a book cover - the images for front & back look great (and are grayscale / black ink) - however, the spine has a fill of 100% black, but it appears lighter than the darkest blacks on the PDF.

I haven't noticed this before, so I'm wondering if it's just a screen representation, or if I can / should adjust something.

FWIW, I think it looks much more accurate in Output Preview. That said... what I have set to 100% black in InDesign converts to 91%...?

thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Eugene Tyson

Go to your InDesign PReferences

And look at Appearance of Black

 

Is On Screen black set to Display All Blacks as Rich Black?

If so switch this.

 

Also - you can check the separations for colour breakdown in Window>Output>Separations Preview

 

Hover your mouse over the areas. 

 

 

2 replies

rob day
Community Expert
rob dayCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 18, 2021

That said... what I have set to 100% black in InDesign converts to 91%...?

 

When you export the PDF what are the Output>Color settings? Sounds like you might be converting to a Gray profile Destination.

    T
    turner111Author
    Inspiring
    August 18, 2021

    Hi rob -

    It's set to No Color Conversion.

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 18, 2021

    Just to clarify, you mean when you check the spine value with AcrobatPro’s Output Preview the value is 91K— 0|0|0|91?

    E
    Community Expert
    Eugene TysonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 18, 2021

    Go to your InDesign PReferences

    And look at Appearance of Black

     

    Is On Screen black set to Display All Blacks as Rich Black?

    If so switch this.

     

    Also - you can check the separations for colour breakdown in Window>Output>Separations Preview

     

    Hover your mouse over the areas. 

     

     

      T
      turner111Author
      Inspiring
      August 18, 2021

      Thanks - this seems to have improved it.

      E
      Community Expert
      Eugene TysonCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 18, 2021

      Just to note this is on screen only - it has no affect on output - as such - longer story.

      What matters are the colour values when you export to PDF.

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