Fine Print

Fine Print Knowledge Center

The online guide to print and design.

Introduction
A Brief History of Printing
PrePress
Planning and Strategy
Design Tips
Color Management
File Submission
Proofing
Materials and Stocks
Inks
Platemaking
Types of Printing
Offset Lithography
Digital Printing
Screen Printing
Gravure
Thermography
Flexography
Letterpress
Large Format
Specialty Printing
3D Printing
Promotional
Security Printing
Green Printing
Types of Finishes
Coatings
Binding
Folding
Scoring
Die Cutting
Embossing
Foil Stamping
Perforations

Gray Component Replacement

A technique used in the color separation process that replaces the neutral gray portion in cyan, magenta, and yellow with black. Instead of the cyan, magenta and yellow to producing these grays, they are produced with the black ink.

GCR will deepens the shadow areas of an image that lacks depth and reduces the amount of ink required which speeds up drying time. Colors are easier to maintain throughout the run and may produce a more pleasing printed product.