Separation settings control how to handle black in the output. You can edit black controls for CMYK profiles. If you are making an RGB profile, separation settings do not appear.

1. In the Apply Settings window, click Edit Black Controls.
2. Set the following values in the Edit Black Controls window:

   • Maximum Total Ink - Sets the total amount of ink allowed for the four channels: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. The maximum value is 400%, which is 100% for each channel. Different types of output devices have standard maximum total ink values. The default setting is a value appropriate for the type of printer being profiled. We recommend you start with the default.

   • Maximum Black Ink - Sets the total amount of ink that is allowed for black. You might reduce this value from 100% if that value produces undesirable effects, such as an unwanted difference between black and other colors. The default setting is a value appropriate for the type of printer being profiled. We recommend you start with the default.

   • Black Start - Sets the minimum percentage of ink at which black is introduced into the mix of inks making up a specific shade of color. You might adjust this value to adjust the stability of the gray balance or to reduce graininess in highlights when the black screen is grainy.

   • Black Generation - Also known as black transition. Sets the extent to which black ink is substituted for mixes of cyan, magenta, and yellow. Using one ink instead of three reduces moisture content in the underlying substrate when printing on a press and reduces cost, because black ink is less expensive than color inks. If black generation is set to a lower value, only neutrals and pastels have color removed to be replaced by black. If black generation is set to a higher value, more saturated colors are also affected.

     Set Black Start before setting Black Generation. Black Generation controls black output from the Black Start to the Maximum Black Ink value.

   • Increase black in shadows - On some printers, adding cyan, magenta, and/or yellow to black ink can cause the black value to become lighter, rather than darker and richer. Adjusting this setting can make shadows appear more pleasing on those printers.

   • Maximum CMYK density ratio - Affects rendering of the dark point of an ICC profile.

     If this option is not selected, the dark point is determined automatically. Automatic selection works well in most general applications.

     This option lets you specify the amount of black in the dark point. A ratio of 0% means that the dark point of the profile contains K only. A ratio of 30% means that the dark point contains 70% K plus additional percentage (to Maximum Total Ink) of CMY. 100% does not necessarily mean the same as Off. This option works well in situations where 100% K is darker than 400% CMYK.

     Maximum CMYK density ratio affects Maximum Black Ink. The range of Maximum CMYK density ratio is (100 - Maximum Black Ink) to 100.

   • Black Width - Controls the distance from the neutral axis at which black generation is applied. A higher value uses more black off-axis; a lower value does not extend black generation as far out from the neutral axis.

   • Black Amount to Extend Gamut - For most printers, the default value of 100% is sufficient. If there is a grainy appearance to the black halftone in saturated colors, reduce the percentage.