Opacity Limit for Printing

Gino · 01-17-2008, 05:55 PM

I heard there was an opacity limit for printing I'm not sure if it makes a different what type of printer you are on, but if I create a box behind text and want to lower the opacity whats the lowest I can safely go before its to hard to see or not optimal. Any suggestions?

Distill · 01-17-2008, 06:31 PM

The opacity limit will depend on your printer. I've had problems in the past where something I'd intended to be very subtle ended up being darker just because the smallest dot the printer could make was too big. It ended up being a few widely-spaced but definite specks (far from the look it had on screen).

Your best bet is to test it (if you're printing yourself) or to get a proof (if sending it out to a printer). A pain in the butt either way.

Anyone else have a good rule of thumb?

thislightifound · 03-27-2008, 05:47 AM

I don't usually go below 10% opacity just to be safe. I agree with Distill though about a printer's proof because then you'll know for sure.

It does all depend on the colours you're using too. For example darker colours will allow you a lower opacity than lighter colours.

alyCe · 03-28-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distill

The opacity limit will depend on your printer. I've had problems in the past where something I'd intended to be very subtle ended up being darker just because the smallest dot the printer could make was too big. It ended up being a few widely-spaced but definite specks (far from the look it had on screen).

Your best bet is to test it (if you're printing yourself) or to get a proof (if sending it out to a printer). A pain in the butt either way.

Anyone else have a good rule of thumb?

Or, if you are struggling with halftone patterns you could use pantone gray also, although it would probably up the price-tag a bit

Mr Pre-Press · 04-12-2008, 06:00 PM

Hi Gino:

I assume we're talking offset here. For sheetfed, the max is typically 280-300% [4 plates at 100% = slurry that will never dry]. Web is somewhat different, but not by much. Bleed thru will be a problem.

01-17-2008, 05:55 PM	#1
Gino Administrator/Founder Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 789	Opacity Limit for Printing I heard there was an opacity limit for printing I'm not sure if it makes a different what type of printer you are on, but if I create a box behind text and want to lower the opacity whats the lowest I can safely go before its to hard to see or not optimal. Any suggestions? __________________ CORPORATE IDENTITY CREATION //GRAPHIC DESIGN BLOG // T SHIRT BLOG

04-12-2008, 06:00 PM	#5
Mr Pre-Press Sr Print Production Exper Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: LA, Cali Posts: 5	Hi Gino: I assume we're talking offset here. For sheetfed, the max is typically 280-300% [4 plates at 100% = slurry that will never dry]. Web is somewhat different, but not by much. Bleed thru will be a problem. __________________ Regards, Larry Gassan Larry@LarryGassan.com photo / design / print production 323 697 7998 http://LarryGassan.com as seen on Gawker: http://gawker.com/artists/larry-gassan.php eye-candy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrygassan/ "Mr Pre-Press Speaks!" at http://mrprepress.wordpress.com Notes from the Dark Side of Print Production

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01-17-2008, 06:31 PM	#2
Distill Designer/Copywriter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: DePere, WI Posts: 84	The opacity limit will depend on your printer. I've had problems in the past where something I'd intended to be very subtle ended up being darker just because the smallest dot the printer could make was too big. It ended up being a few widely-spaced but definite specks (far from the look it had on screen). Your best bet is to test it (if you're printing yourself) or to get a proof (if sending it out to a printer). A pain in the butt either way. Anyone else have a good rule of thumb?

03-27-2008, 05:47 AM	#3
thislightifound Graphic Designer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 4	I don't usually go below 10% opacity just to be safe. I agree with Distill though about a printer's proof because then you'll know for sure. It does all depend on the colours you're using too. For example darker colours will allow you a lower opacity than lighter colours.