Central, North & South Austin • Round Rock • Pflugerville • Cedar Park • Bee Caves • GeorgeTown

Don’t use Photoshop’s default black color

Don't use the Photoshop's default black color

Not to use Photoshop’s default black color on the background

We recommend the use of C=60, Y=40, M=40, and K=100 process color settings on the black color in printing because any other combination of process color may not get the true black color you are expecting every time. Simply, don’t use Photoshop’s default black to print the dark solid black. It will print flat or muddy black color. On the black text, use C=0, Y=0, M=0, and K=100 settings. Your text letters will look cleaner and sharper.

Most print shops recommend the use of C=60, Y=40, M=40, K=100, or a similar black color value. With any other combination of processes, color may not get the absolute true black color you are expecting every time in printing.

The default rich black color varies from application to application. Don’t use these default color values if looking for the absolute pitch dark black color. 

  • Adobe Indesign default black: c-57, m-46, y-47, K-76
  • Adobe Photoshop default black:  c-75, m-68, Y-67, K-90
  • Adobe Illustrator default black: c-56,  m-47, y-47, K83
  • Microsoft Word fault black: RGB
  • Canva default black: RGB
  • Affinity Photo default black::
  • Affinity Designer default black::

Instead, use the Real Rich Black Color Value of 60/40/40/100

On the smaller black text, set to the rich black value in the preference setting or just use the 0/0/0/100 value.

If the real black color is something you much have, be sure to consult with your printer about their black color preference.

For more information refer to our main website BusinessCardChoices.com

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