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What do printing color codes like 4/0, 4/4 and 1/0 mean?
These numbers are standard printing shorthand for how many ink colors print on each side of a sheet. The first number is the front, the second is the back. The 4 stands for the four CMYK process inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), 1 means a single ink, and 0 means nothing prints on that side.
| Notation | Front | Back |
|---|---|---|
| 4/0 | Full color (CMYK) | Blank (single-sided) |
| 4/4 | Full color (CMYK) | Full color (CMYK) |
| 4/1 | Full color (CMYK) | One color, usually black |
| 1/0 | One color, usually black | Blank |
| 1/1 | One color | One color |
- 4/4, full color on both sides, is the standard for most marketing pieces with artwork front and back.
- More ink coverage generally means higher cost, so 4/4 costs more than 4/0.
- Supply artwork for every printed side the option calls for, and clarify the option when you request a quote so price and setup match your design.
The same codes apply to other products such as envelopes: 4/0 or 1/0 prints the front only, while 4/4 or 1/1 prints both sides.
Which options are offered depends on the product, and some specialty stocks, such as certain plastic cards, print on one side only. Build your artwork in CMYK so screen and print color stay close. Pantone spot colors are usually a custom quote, so ask about them separately.
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