Save and print color separations

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to create host-based or in-RIP separations for commercial printing workflows in Adobe InDesign.

Color separations divide artwork into separate plates for each color used in commercial printing. This process enables accurate color reproduction by printing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks in precise registration.

Use this procedure when preparing files for commercial offset printing or when your print service provider requires separated output. Adobe InDesign supports two separation workflows: host-based separations (created on your computer) and in-RIP separations (created at the output device). In-RIP separations process faster and require less data transmission, while host-based separations provide immediate verification of separation settings.

Configure and output separations

Select File > Print.

In the Printer menu, choose your output device or select PostScript File to save separations to a file.

Select a PPD that supports your target output device if you’re saving to a file.

Select General from the left panel and specify the page range to separate.

Select Output from the left panel.

For Color, choose Separations to create host-based separations, or In-RIP Separations to save separation settings for processing at the RIP. In-RIP separations are required to use Adobe In-RIP Trapping, which needs access to all colors simultaneously during RIP processing.

Review the ink list and click the printer icon next to any ink names to control which separations are created.

If needed, select Ink Manager to convert spot colors to process colors or create ink aliases.

Select Graphics from the left panel and set Send Data to All, Download to Complete or Subset, and PostScript to match your output device (Level 2 or Level 3).

Select Advanced from the left panel and set Transparency Flattener Preset to [High Resolution] or a custom high-resolution preset.

Review the Summary section to verify separation settings, color management, and document specifications.

Select Print to output to a device, or Save to create a PostScript file with the separation settings embedded.

When you save separations to a PostScript file, the file preserves your separation settings, PPD information, and color conversions. This ensures consistent output when the file is processed at the RIP or sent to your print service provider.

For documents containing spot colors, you can use the Ink Manager to convert them to process colors if your job requires only CMYK printing. This prevents accidental creation of additional plates and reduces printing costs.

Create print and digital materials with InDesign
Design impactful ads, magazine and book layouts, and more.

Open the app

Create color separations

Print gradients as separations

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.