Black is one of the most commonly used colours in printing, but did you know there are different types of black? Whether you’re printing text, fine details, or large solid areas, understanding when to use Standard Black or Rich Black can make a big difference in the final result.
Standard Black: Crisp and Clear for Small Details
Standard Black is created with 100% K (Key/Black) ink in CMYK printing, without any additional colours. It’s perfect for:
- Small Text: For text smaller than 12pt, Standard Black ensures sharp, clean edges that are easy to read.
- Fine Lines and Details: It prevents blurriness or ghosting, a phenomenon caused by misalignment of the four CMYK plates during printing.
Top Tip: Use the colour value C0 M0 Y0 K100 for all black text and fine lines to ensure the best clarity.
Rich Black: Deep and Vibrant for Large Areas
Rich Black is made by combining black ink with Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow inks. This creates a more saturated and visually striking black, ideal for:
- Large Solid Areas: If you’re printing a large block of black, Rich Black will give it depth and vibrancy.
- Full Colour Designs: When your design demands rich, bold tones, adding colours to black creates a dynamic look.
Top Tip: For a deep, rich black, use the value C60 M0 Y0 K100 or experiment with a balanced blend like C30 M30 Y30 K100 for a softer, warmer tone.
Why Choosing the Right Black Matters
Not all blacks are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to undesirable results:
- Text and Fine Details: Using Rich Black for small text can make it appear fuzzy due to slight misalignments in the CMYK plates. Stick with Standard Black for clean lines.
- Large Areas: Standard Black may look flat or washed out on large solid areas. Adding colour with Rich Black enhances depth and richness.
Learn more about RGB black and how it's different from CMYK black.