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High Ink Density

What Is Ink Density?

Ink Density Values

How To Avoid Ink Density Issues

Ace Tips: Ink Density Explained

High Ink Density Error

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

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 icon

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%.

Print icon

Ways to Avoid High Ink Density Issues

CMYK GRACoL

Build all files in CMYK using the GRACoL profile.
CMYK chart icon

Avoid RGB

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

Total Ink Values

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

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.
RGB vs CMYK icon

About Ace Displays

In 2006, Ace Displays was founded in Southern California with the desire to provide quality products at competitive prices with the fastest delivery times in the industry. We believe purchasing an event display and its accessories should be an easy and exciting experience. Leveraging our short lead times to differentiate ourselves, we exist to connect people by providing event solutions that create conversations and lasting impressions.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the best event & trade show displays at budget-friendly prices with unparalleled service to ensure we exceed our clients expectations and to foster an environment our employees are proud to work in.

The Ace Method

We are excited to work with you - from meeting your budget to meeting your deadlines - we will help you create a display that looks great and asserts your presence. To aid in what can be a rather laborious process, Ace has developed a 6-step method to get you a display quickly and easily so you can focus your time on other areas of your business and upcoming events. 

DISCOVER THE ACE METHOD

Ace Tips: Ink Density Explained

High Ink Density Error

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

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 icon

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%.

Print icon

Ways to Avoid High Ink Density Issues

CMYK GRACoL

Build all files in CMYK using the GRACoL profile.
CMYK chart icon

Avoid RGB

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

Total Ink Values

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

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.
RGB vs CMYK icon

About Ace Displays

In 2006, Ace Displays was founded in Southern California with the desire to provide quality products at competitive prices with the fastest delivery times in the industry. We believe purchasing an event display and its accessories should be an easy and exciting experience. Leveraging our short lead times to differentiate ourselves, we exist to connect people by providing event solutions that create conversations and lasting impressions.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the best event & trade show displays at budget-friendly prices with unparalleled service to ensure we exceed our clients expectations and to foster an environment our employees are proud to work in.

The Ace Method

We are excited to work with you - from meeting your budget to meeting your deadlines - we will help you create a display that looks great and asserts your presence. To aid in what can be a rather laborious process, Ace has developed a 6-step method to get you a display quickly and easily so you can focus your time on other areas of your business and upcoming events. 

DISCOVER THE ACE METHOD