Fix banding when printing gradients, meshes, and blends

When you print gradients, gradient meshes, or blends, you may notice visible bands instead of smooth color transitions. Banding occurs when the printer cannot reproduce enough intermediate color steps.

Problem

Printed gradients, meshes, or blends display visible color bands instead of smooth transitions. The issue is most noticeable in long gradients and dark-to-light color transitions.

Cause

Small differences between gradient colors don't provide enough printable color steps.

Remedy

Increase the difference between gradient colors. For example, a blend from 20% cyan to 80% cyan usually prints more smoothly than a blend from 80% to 95% cyan.

Cause

Long gradients require more color steps than the printer can reproduce smoothly.

Remedy

1. Select the Measure tool.
2. Measure the length of the gradient.
3. If the gradient exceeds 7.5 inches, reduce its length or divide it into smaller gradients.
4. Keep dark-to-white gradients shorter than 3 inches whenever possible.

Cause

High screen frequencies reduce the number of printable gray levels and can increase banding.

Remedy

Use a lower screen frequency when possible, or consult your print service provider for recommended screen settings.

Cause

Some printers cannot reproduce complex vector gradients smoothly.

Remedy

Rasterize gradients before printing when using PostScript Level 2 printers or transparency-heavy artwork.

Cause

Spot colors that share similar screen angles can create moiré patterns or visible interference.

Remedy

1. Select File > Print.
2. Select Output.
3. Select each spot color.
4. Assign different screen angles.
5. Consult your print service provider for recommended angle settings.

Calculate printable gradient steps

• Formula
• Blend length table
• Printer resolution table
• Screen frequency table

If banding continues after trying these solutions, contact your print service provider to review RIP settings or contact Adobe Support for additional assistance.