---
type: faq
title: "What if my proof colors don't appear as they should? (ex: black appearing as green)."
description: "Black turning green on a proof usually comes from a heavy CMYK rich black or an RGB file, so fix the color build and set small text to 100% black."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/color-ink/what-if-my-proof-colors-dont-appear-as-they-should-(ex-black-appearing-as-green)-
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/color-ink/what-if-my-proof-colors-dont-appear-as-they-should-(ex-black-appearing-as-green)-
    title: "What if my proof colors don't appear as they should? (ex: black appearing as green)."
status: stable
---

# What if my proof colors don't appear as they should? (ex: black appearing as green).

When a color shows up wrong on your proof, such as black looking green, it usually comes down to how the color was built in your file rather than a printing error. Rich black issue: black built from heavy CMYK mixes can shift toward green or another tint, so use a proper black build for solid blacks. RGB files: artwork saved in RGB can convert unpredictably, so supply CMYK files. Small black text: set fine text and thin lines to 100% black only to keep them clean. Still off: if the color still looks wrong after checking your file, hold off on approval and ask your printer to review it.

Black turning green on a proof usually comes from a heavy CMYK rich black or an RGB file, so fix the color build and set small text to 100% black.

[Order Standard Business Cards](https://www.4over4.com/product/standard-business-cards)

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