---
type: faq
title: "How do I prepare files for black business cards with a 5th color white?"
description: "For black business cards that use white ink as a fifth color, you supply your normal CMYK artwork plus a separate white layer that tells the press exactly."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/how-do-i-prepare-files-for-black-business-cards-with-a-5th-color-white
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/how-do-i-prepare-files-for-black-business-cards-with-a-5th-color-white
    title: "How do I prepare files for black business cards with a 5th color white?"
status: stable
---

# How do I prepare files for black business cards with a 5th color white?

For black business cards that use white ink as a fifth color, you supply your normal CMYK artwork plus a separate white layer that tells the press exactly where the white should print. Set up the color artwork in CMYK as usual. Add a separate white layer or mask that marks precisely where the white ink goes. Keep the white elements on their own clearly labeled layer so they are not mistaken for color. Follow the product template for placement, bleed, and safe zones.

[Order black business cards](https://www.4over4.com/product/black-business-cards)

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