Learn in this article,
- how to convert pure black to deep black,
- how to knockout or overprint black objects and
- how to convert black text objects to deep black.
1. Introduction
Black tones are a major issue in printing. Not every printer is equipped with the same black, which means that corrections to the print file are often necessary. To address this, the Workflow provides users with a number of Fixups so that the print file can be printed as desired.
2. General
The Fixups listed below can be found in the Black Handling selection menu [2]. This menu is located in the footer of the Process Colors section [1] in the Print Data tab.
You can use the Fixups in these Fixup Group to set black objects to Knockout or Overprint, convert black text objects and Black only to Rich Black.
Figure 1: The Process Colors area with displayed Fixup Group Black Handling
3. Fixups of this Fixup Group
There are currently four Fixups available in the Black Handling Fixup group. These are briefly described below.
3.1. Convert Black Text Objects to Rich Black
This Fixup aims to convert black text objects with the CMYK values 0/0/0/100 into Rich Black with CMYK values of your choice. If the Include intermediate color values option is also activated, all tonal value gradations of black are also converted. With this Fixup only text elements larger than 5 pt are taken into account and converted.
Figure 2: The dialog Convert Black Text Objets to Black
For information on how it works and a description with a corresponding sample file, please refer to the description.
3.2. Convert Pure Black to Rich Black
This Fixup aims to convert pure black for all object types, vectors only, image only, text only, or vectors and text only to Rich Black. Select the color value for Rich Black and decide whether all tonal gradations of black should be included in the conversion.
Figure 3: The dialog Convert Pure Black to Richt Black
For information on how it works and a description with a corresponding sample file, please refer to the description.
3.3. Set Black Objects to Knockout
This Fixup aims to change the overprint status of black vectors, texts, or texts and vectors to Knockout. This sets the found objects to Knockout.
Figure 4: The dialog Set Black Objects to Knockout
For information on how it works and a description with a corresponding sample file, please refer to the description.
3.4. Set Black Objects to Overprint
This Fixup aims to change the overprint status of black vectors, texts, or texts and vectors to Overprint. This sets the objects found to overprint (OPM 1).
Figure 5: The dialog Set Black Objects to Overprint
For information on how it works and a description with a corresponding sample file, please refer to the description.
Article update: Workflow 1.21.0 – 07/2025