Question
If my file has black ink and faded grey colors on the back, should I select 'Black Ink' or 'Color' for printing?
Answer
When a design mixes solid black with faded grey, choose 4/4 (full color on both sides). Grey is not a separate ink. It is a lighter tint built from the four-color process, so it prints correctly only when full color is enabled rather than a black-only setting.
Print options are written as a front/back pair. Here is what each one covers:
| Option | Front | Back | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | Full color | Full color | Black plus grey, or any color on both sides |
| 4/0 | Full color | Blank | Color front, no back printing |
| 4/1 | Full color | Black only | Color front, simple black text on the back |
| 1/0 | Black only | Blank | Pure black artwork, single side |
- Choosing black-only on a file that contains grey can shift or flatten the grey tones.
- Build your file in CMYK so the grey values translate predictably.
- If both sides carry color or grey, 4/4 is the safe default.
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