What is an overprint?

An overprint is any additional printing done on an area that has already been printed. Instead of knocking out (removing) the background where a new element sits, the top ink is printed directly over the ink beneath it so the two layers combine.

• Overprint vs knockout: overprinting layers ink on ink, while a knockout leaves a gap for the top color.
• Common use: black text set to overprint avoids thin white gaps if the plates shift slightly.
• Watch out: unintended overprints can change colors where inks mix, so check your prepress settings.