Select Window > Output > Separations Preview.
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Create color separations
Learn how to preview and generate color separations in Adobe InDesign for multi-plate print production workflows.
This is a legacy workflow, so check with your print provider. Use color separations when your print workflow requires individual ink plates, such as offset or specialty printing, and confirm requirements with your print provider. InDesign supports legacy host-based and modern RIP-based separations, including CMYK and additional spot plates for metallics or coatings.
Proper registration of plates recreates full color on press. Prepare files carefully by validating color modes, embedding fonts, and running preflight checks. Request an appropriate proof (digital contract proof or press proof) to verify plate accuracy and registration.
Prepare your document for separation
Select Separations from the View dropdown menu to display individual color plates.
Select the eye icon next to each separation name to view plates individually or in combination, verifying that content appears on the correct plates.
To evaluate total area coverage (TAC), select Ink Limit from the View dropdown menu and enter your printer’s specified maximum value (Common values range from approximately 260–320%, depending on press and stock.)
Review areas displayed in red, which indicate ink coverage exceeding your specified limit; adjust colors or images as needed to stay within press tolerances. Verify rich black builds align with your print specifications.
Separations Preview simulates plate separation without generating output files, allowing early detection of errors. Use this preview to catch registration issues, verify spot color placement, and confirm that rich blacks use appropriate color builds (such as C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100 rather than K:100 alone).
Tip
Hold the pointer over any area in the document preview to see real-time ink coverage percentages for that location in the Separations Preview panel.
Choose a separation workflow
Select File > Print.
Select the Output tab.
From the Color dropdown menu, select Separations for host-based separations or In-RIP Separations if your RIP supports device-based processing.
Review the Inks list to verify which plates will be generated; deselect any inks you don't want to output.
Adjust screening values only if explicitly instructed by your print provider.
Host-based separations create individual plates from InDesign and work best with older or specialized RIP systems, offering more control but slower processing. In‑RIP separations generate plates at the RIP and are common in modern production. Since device setup and duotone handling vary by RIP, confirm requirements with your print provider.
Configure separation options
Select File > Print.
Select the Output tab, to manually define screening values, confirm frequency (lpi), angle, and dot shape.
Avoid modifying screen angles unless instructed. Incorrect angles may introduce moiré patterns.
Use Negative or Emulsion settings only if producing film output as specified by your provider.
Select Emulsion Down or Emulsion Up based on your printer's press requirements.
Select All Spot Colors to process only if converting spot inks to CMYK for composite output.
In most contemporary production environments, separations are generated from PDF/X files in the RIP. Direct host-based separations from InDesign are typically reserved for legacy or specialty workflows.
Generate separation output
Select File > Print.
Select the Summary tab to verify separation settings, color management, and printer's marks.
Select the Setup tab and confirm page range, positioning, and scaling options.
Select the Marks and Bleed tab to enable crop marks, registration marks, color bars, and bleed and slug areas as required by your printer.
Select Print to send separations directly to the output device, or Save to save output as a PostScript file if required by your workflow. When saving PostScript files for later output, verify that you've selected the correct PPD (PostScript Printer Description) for your target device. The PPD file defines device-specific capabilities and ensures accurate separation processing.
PDF export supports a maximum page size of 200 × 200 inches; content beyond this limit is cropped.
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