Rich Black Used for Small Text: Warning

Message received: Small text on pages 4, 5 is set in rich black (mixed inks) and may look fuzzy in print. (The details change to match your file.)

Alert level: Warning. You can acknowledge this warning in the proof window and continue.

Applies to: Interior and cover files.

Meaning

Rich black is black made by mixing several inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). It looks deep for large areas. For small text, the ink layers can sit slightly out of line on press, which leaves colored, fuzzy edges and makes the text harder to read. Small text should use black ink only (K 100, other inks 0). [Insert the size that counts as “small”. Confirm with Prepress.]

Necessary actions

1. Note the pages listed in the message.
2. Set the small text to 100% black only. In InDesign, use the [Black] swatch. Do not use the [Registration] swatch, which prints on every ink.
3. If your file was converted from RGB, black text often turns into rich black. After converting, set the text color to K 100 again.
4. Re-export and upload the new file. Preflight will check it again automatically.

Can I proceed without fixing it?

Yes. Acknowledge the warning in the proof window to continue. Small text may look fuzzy in print.

Still need help? Email our support team at filesupport@acutrack.com and include your Artwork number with the alert. We will be happy to take a look.