Black vs. Full-Color Printing
When it comes to online printing, choosing between black and full-color printing can make a big difference in the appearance and cost of your project. Whether your goal is to boost engagement with vibrant brochures or you’re sending invitations for a gala event, the right ink option can help you achieve your desired results.
As you design your print-ready files, use this guide to understand the differences between black ink and full-color printing, including their attributes, applications and costs.
Black Ink
Black Ink Attributes
- Single black ink channel
- Can create high-quality grayscale images
- Much quicker to print
- Less expensive than full-color printing
Black Ink Applications
- Only one color is applied to the material as a single impression
- Every sheet has only one impression per side of the print
- Can be applied to any paper stock and weight
Full-Color Printing
Full-Color Attributes
- Wide range of colors
- Slower to print
- More expensive than black ink printing
Full-Color Applications
- Each color is applied individually to the material as a single impression
- Every sheet has four impressions per side of the print
- Can be applied to any paper stock and weight
Common Questions
If there are color artifacts or marks made with registration black in my file, will one side or my entire job print in black-only? Will I be charged for color clicks?
Yes, Smartpress forces the art to black-only for any surface ordered with black-only ink. There are no additional charges for color clicks.
If an imposition (a prepress process of positioning pages or artwork on press sheets to be printed and finished properly) contains a black-and-color page on the same side, will I be charged for the color sheet?
No, Smartpress covers the cost of the color sheet, no matter the amount of color on that sheet.
Does Smartpress offer black-only pricing?
Yes, many products offer a black-only option. Just select “Black Only” in the dropdown on the product page.
As a premium online printer, Smartpress offers both black-only and full-color printing options for a wide range of projects. If you have questions about full-color printing, black ink or choosing the right option for your project, please contact customer service.
Hint: Learn more about designing with color: Color Psychology: How to Use It for Marketing & Sales
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