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 setting imported from the factory default profile is a value appropriate for the specific print system being profiled.

   • 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. It is almost always desirable to leave this value at 100%.

   • 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 set the start point at 10-25% to reduce graininess in highlights when the black screen is grainy by increasing the black start point.

   • Black Generation - Controls the tone curve shape of the black separation. Increase this value to get more black used instead of other colorants and to increase contrast. Reduce this value if the black separation is too high in contrast.

     Set the Black Start option before setting the Black Generation option. Black Generation controls black output from the Black Start to the Maximum Black Ink value. For maximum black generation, set Black Generation to 99%. Do not set Black Generation to 100% if maximum black ink is also set to 100%.

   • 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. This option works well in situations where 100% K is darker than 400% CMYK.

   • Black Width - Controls the distance from the neutral axis at which black generation is applied. A higher value uses more black off-axis in saturated colors; 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.