---
type: faq
title: "What is a knockout in printing?"
description: "A knockout removes the background ink wherever a foreground object sits, so the top color prints on bare paper instead of mixing with the ink underneath. I"
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/color-ink/what-is-a-knockout-in-printing
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
timestamp: 2026-07-20T18:54:40.856Z
---

# What is a knockout in printing?

A knockout removes the background ink wherever a foreground object sits, so the top color prints on bare paper instead of mixing with the ink underneath. I

Part of the **Printing Terms Glossary** hub. See [all faq concepts](index.md).

- Page type: faq
- Hub: Printing Terms Glossary
- URL: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/color-ink/what-is-a-knockout-in-printing