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A
AustKom
Participating Frequently
April 26, 2018
Answered

Too much colour for printer

  • April 26, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 1090 views

Hi!

I'm sure this has been a subject of a previous question (since it seems to be a bit of a rookie misstake), but I've searched the forums without luck. It might be since I'm not sure of the terminology in English.

My problem is this:
In my design (a book layout), I've used colour overlays (just a frame with a colour) on top of a few images, and used the blending mode "Multiply" to create the effect I wanted. Then I've exported the design using job options from my printer and an ICC profile from them as well. Now they called me and there's a problem with a few of the images where the total ink coverage (after separation) is more than 300%. I was sure that the process of exporting the InDesign file to a print ready PDF would make sure all conversions would be within necessary limits - but apparently not.

Is there a way to tell InDesign that the total amount of ink on should never be more than 300% on any surface? Is there a way to preview the effect?
It doesn't warn for this in the "Proof Colours" mode either.

/Ludvig

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer rob day

Total ink limits can be a problem when you work with blend modes when the document's Transparency Blend Space is set to CMYK.

If you open the Separation Preview panel, the View drop down menu lets you choose Ink Limit where you can set a limit and get a preview of any violations. From there you can adjust the colors you are blending.

Ink limits are set in CMYK profiles (i.e., US SWOP Coated is 300%, Coated GRACol is 330%), but they are only enforced when you make a color conversion to CMYK. Once you are in CMYK you can exceed the limit by editing the color or using a blend mode like multiply. If you set the document 's Transparency Blend Space to RGB, the document's CMYK profile will enforce the limit, but in that case you will want to export using the PDF/X-4 preset otherwise you run the risk of [Black] text converting to 4-color, which will also be a problem for your printer.

2 replies

Willi Adelberger
Community Expert
Willi AdelbergerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 26, 2018

You have probably converted the images outside InDesign to CMYK. You should only use RGB images and convert them upon PDF export.

    A
    AustKomAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    April 26, 2018

    No, the images were actually all in RGB, but the overlays were added in InDesign and those where in CMYK and thus not converted. Hadn’t realized this before so new knowledge for me. 

    /L

    rob day
    Community Expert
    rob dayCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 26, 2018

    Total ink limits can be a problem when you work with blend modes when the document's Transparency Blend Space is set to CMYK.

    If you open the Separation Preview panel, the View drop down menu lets you choose Ink Limit where you can set a limit and get a preview of any violations. From there you can adjust the colors you are blending.

    Ink limits are set in CMYK profiles (i.e., US SWOP Coated is 300%, Coated GRACol is 330%), but they are only enforced when you make a color conversion to CMYK. Once you are in CMYK you can exceed the limit by editing the color or using a blend mode like multiply. If you set the document 's Transparency Blend Space to RGB, the document's CMYK profile will enforce the limit, but in that case you will want to export using the PDF/X-4 preset otherwise you run the risk of [Black] text converting to 4-color, which will also be a problem for your printer.

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