Print glossary
Overprint: definition
Overprint is a setting where an element prints on top of the colour below instead of knocking a hole out of it. It is used e.g. for black text and the CutContour cut line.
- Default
- Knockout of the colour below
- Black text
- Usually overprint
- Cut line
- Always overprint
More about the term
Without overprint a CutContour line could leave a white hairline in the artwork, and black text could show white gaps when inks do not register perfectly. See CutContour.
Frequently asked questions
Is white overprint a mistake?
Yes, a white element set to overprint disappears in print. A common file error.
How do I check overprint?
With the overprint preview in Acrobat or your graphics program.
See also
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