What is Overprint?
Overprint is a print setting that tells overlapping colors to print on top of each other, rather than "knocking out" the color beneath. Think of it as the difference between cutting a hole in paper versus painting over it.
By default, when you place one colored object over another in your design software, the top object removes (or "knocks out") whatever is beneath it. This is usually what you want, but in certain situations, overprinting produces better results.
Hover to see layers separate
Why Overprint Matters
Understanding when to use overprint can prevent costly reprints and ensure your specialty ink jobs come out perfectly.
Registration Issues
Small black text on colored backgrounds can show white halos if there's any shift during printing. Overprinting black eliminates this risk entirely.
Specialty Inks
HP White 1, HP Metallic, HP Foil, and HP Gloss must be set to overprint. This is required for these inks to layer correctly with your CMYK artwork.
Fine Details
Thin lines, small type, and intricate elements benefit from overprint. Knockout gaps on tiny details are more noticeable than on large shapes.
Understanding Layer Order
Here's the key concept: In your design file, specialty inks go on top of your artwork and are set to overprint. But when printed, the press applies them underneath your CMYK colors.
In Your File
How It Prints
Layer Relayering: The Overprint Advantage
Here's a powerful capability that overprint enables: when specialty inks are set to overprint, the press operator can print them above OR below your CMYK artwork at run time, without requiring a new file.
Metallic BELOW CMYK
Metallic prints first, CMYK on top. Creates muted shimmer that shows through transparent areas of your CMYK artwork.
Metallic ABOVE CMYK
CMYK prints first, metallic on top. Creates bold metallic highlights that sit prominently over your artwork.
Why This Matters
Without overprint, the layer order is fixed because knockouts create dependencies between layers. With overprint, you have flexibility to adjust the print sequence on press—perfect for testing different effects or accommodating production requirements.
When to Use Overprint
Use this guide to determine when overprint is the right choice for your project.
Use Overprint
- Black text or small black elements on colored backgrounds
- All HP specialty inks (HP White 1, HP Metallic, HP Foil, HP Gloss)
- Fine lines and intricate details that touch color
- When you want colors to mix (intentional effect)
Don't Use Overprint
- White objects (they will disappear!)
- Light colors over dark backgrounds
- Full-color photographs or images
- Large solid color areas meant to replace backgrounds
Never Overprint White!
White objects set to overprint will completely disappear in print. White "prints" by showing the paper through, so overprinting it means nothing shows.
Always Preview First
Before sending to print, use View > Overprint Preview in Illustrator or InDesign to see exactly how your overprinted elements will appear.
Color Mixing When Overprinting
When colors overprint, they combine using subtractive color mixing. Understanding this helps you predict (and design for) the result.
This is why black text overprints well on any background—black absorbs all light, so the underlying color doesn't change the appearance. Light colors on dark backgrounds will look muddy when overprinted.
Setting Up Overprint in Your Software
Choose your design application to see step-by-step instructions for applying overprint settings.
