Meaning in graphics work
Overprint tells an overlapping printed object to retain underlying colour information rather than remove it from the relevant output. Its appearance depends on the separation and rendering workflow.
It differs from knockout, which removes the underlying area. A normal screen preview may not explain an overprint setting's effect on the final colour combination.
Example and practical consequence
A small black text object might be intentionally prepared to overprint a coloured background. A light or white object carrying an unintended setting can produce a different result from the designer's expectation.
Review overprint using an appropriate output simulation and the actual provider's workflow. Identify which objects deliberately use it and keep that decision with the file version. A simulation supports review but does not establish that the printer, RIP and final output settings will reproduce every interaction identically.
Take it to the next job
- Inspect intended and unintended overprint on the exact production version.
