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Print a composite
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use composite printing to preview all colors on a single sheet or create proofs for review in Adobe InDesign.
Composite printing outputs all colors in your document to a single sheet, making it ideal for desktop proofing and client reviews. Unlike separations printing, which creates individual plates for each ink, composites show how your final design will appear with all colors combined.
Use composite printing when you need a quick proof on your desktop printer or want to verify your design before sending files to a commercial printer. For color-separated output where each ink prints on a separate plate, print separations instead. Composite printing requires a color printer or supports grayscale output for black-and-white printers.
Configure composite print settings
Select a printer from the Printer dropdown menu.
Select the General tab, specify which pages to print by typing page numbers in the Range field or select All.
Select the Output tab and then select Composite RGB for color printers or Composite Gray for black-and-white output from the Color dropdown menu.
Set Trapping dropdown to Off for composite printing.
Select Save or Print.
Composite RGB works best for desktop inkjet and laser printers. Composite CMYK appears only when printing to PostScript devices and should be used only when your printer specifically requires CMYK data.
Adjust graphics and marks settings
Select File > Print.
Select the Graphics tab, and then select Optimized Subsampling for faster proof printing or All for maximum image quality from the Send Data dropdown menu.
Select the Marks and Bleed tab and then select All Printer's Marks if you want registration marks, color bars, and page information included on your output.
Specify bleed area if your design extends beyond the page edge and you want to print those areas.
Select Save or Print.
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