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Edit and convert mixed ink swatches
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to modify inks in mixed-ink groups, adjust swatches, and convert mixed inks to process colors for cost-effective printing in Adobe InDesign.
Mixed ink swatches combine spot and process inks to create more colors without adding extra separations. You can edit these swatches, adjust ink values, or convert them to process colors to reduce printing costs. Use the Swatches panel to manage mixed ink swatches and groups. Changes to the parent swatch update the entire group, while changes to an individual swatch affect only that swatch.
Edit a mixed ink group's component inks
Double-click the parent icon of the mixed ink group.
Replace a component ink by choosing a different ink from the list.
Include or exclude an ink by toggling the option next to its name.
Select OK.
You cannot edit the Initial, Repeat, or Increment values after creating a mixed ink group. To change these settings, delete the group and create a new one. Changes to the parent swatch update all child swatches in the group, preserving color relationships.
Add a new swatch to an existing mixed ink group
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the parent of the mixed ink group.
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Color Swatch.
Enter a name in the Swatch Name field.
For each ink listed, type the percentage in the mixed-ink swatch, or use the slider to adjust the values.
Select OK. The new swatch appears under the parent swatch in the Swatches panel, following the group’s naming convention.
Convert a single mixed ink swatch to process color
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Double-click the mixed ink swatch.
For Color Type select Process.
Select OK.
Converting a mixed ink swatch to a process color removes it from the group and may change the number of color separations. After conversion, it behaves like a standard process color and no longer updates with the parent group.
Convert all swatches in a mixed ink group to process
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Double-click the parent of the mixed ink group.
Select Convert Mixed Ink Swatches to Process.
Select OK.
Converting the parent of a mixed ink group to process removes the parent swatch from the Swatches panel, and all child swatches become independent process color swatches.
Delete a mixed ink group
Tip
Before deleting a swatch group, export it as an ASE file so you can restore it later if needed.
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the parent swatch of the mixed ink group.
Select the Delete selected swatch/groups icon.
Deleting the parent swatch removes all swatches in the mixed ink group. If any objects use those swatches, InDesign prompts you to choose replacement swatches.
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