Using Black - Indd

True Black and CMYK Black in InDesign

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• When using the color black in InDesign it is best to use the Black color that is in the swatches panel. This is considered a TRUE Black because it uses 100% Black ink and nothing else.
• However, you can create a black color that also contains Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. This can be called CMYK Black, Registration Black, Rich Black or Full color Black. This type of Black color should NOT be used.

When pages are printed on a press, each color (CMYK) is applied to the sheet separately and must line up perfectly to make the image clear. If text is printed with Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow the press needs to line these colors up perfectly to make the text clear.

Below is an example of some text that was created with CMYK colors. The Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow appear to bleed or show on the edges of the text. This is a slightly exaggerated example but it shows what can happen if text is created with CMYK Black and does not line up on the press correctly.

The example below shows the effect when the text is white and the background is CMYK Black

Understanding CMYK Black and true Black

Text :

1. In InDesign use the Black arrow tool to select a text box.

2. Go to the Swatches panel and select the "T" option on the top of the panel.
   

3. Then select the Black color swatch in the panel. DO NOT use the Registration swatch.
   

   Note:

   You can also use the text tool to highlight the text and select the Black swatch.

Objects or Backgrounds:

1. Use the black arrow tool and select the object.

2. Find the Swatches panel and make sure the Fill option is selected on the top left hand corner.
   

3. Then select the Black color swatch in the Swatches panel.