The newest Full Separation Suite on the market: Fast, accurate screen-printing color separations in your browser. InkSplit handles simulated-process, Spot, CMYK and DTF with high-quality, print-ready EPS/PNG output. Includes built in RIP and upscaling and image prep.

What is 4 color process separation in screen printing?

4 color process (CMYK) separation breaks down full-color artwork into four ink layers: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. When printed with halftone screens at specific angles, these four colors combine to reproduce thousands of colors on white or light garments.

What garment colors work best for 4 color process?

4 color process works best on white or very light-colored garments (natural, cream, light gray). For dark garments, use simulated process separation which includes an underbase.

What screen angles should I use for CMYK?

Traditional CMYK angles are: Cyan 105°, Magenta 75°, Yellow 90°, Black 45°. InkSplit automatically applies these optimal angles to prevent moiré patterns.

What mesh count for 4 color process printing?

Use 230-305 mesh count for CMYK process printing. Higher mesh (305) gives finer detail but requires more precise registration. InkSplit guides you on optimal halftone settings for your mesh.

Can I use plastisol inks for 4 color process?

Yes! While water-based inks are popular for softer hand, plastisol works great for CMYK with proper mesh selection and thin ink deposits. Use low-bleed inks on 50/50 poly blends.

4 Color Process Separation

Perfect CMYK Separations for White Garments

What is 4 Color Process Printing?

4 color process (also called CMYK or full-color process) is a screen printing technique that reproduces photographic-quality images using only four inks:

Cyan

Blue-green ink that creates cool tones

Magenta

Purple-red ink for warm tones

Yellow

Bright yellow for highlights and warmth

Black (Key)

Adds depth, contrast, and detail

These four colors print as halftone dot patterns at specific angles. When viewed from a distance, the dots optically blend to create thousands of colors.

How InkSplit Handles 4 Color Process

Automatic CMYK Conversion

Upload your RGB artwork and InkSplit converts to optimized CMYK color space

Intelligent Halftone Generation

Built-in RIP creates halftones with optimal screen angles (C:105°, M:75°, Y:90°, K:45°)

Customizable LPI

Adjust lines per inch (35-65 LPI) based on your mesh count and detail requirements

Print-Ready Export

Download as PNG or EPS with proper registration marks and color labels

4 Color Process Best Practices

✓ Use High-Quality Images

Start with 300 DPI images for best results. Low-resolution photos will appear pixelated even with perfect separations.

✓ White or Light Garments Only

CMYK inks are transparent. For dark garments, switch to simulated process with an underbase.

✓ Proper Registration

4 color process requires precise screen registration. Use micro-registration systems for best results.

✓ Test Your Mesh

Match your LPI to mesh count: 230 mesh = 35-45 LPI, 305 mesh = 45-65 LPI for optimal ink deposit.

4 Color Process FAQ

Start Creating CMYK Separations

Generate professional 4-color process separations with automatic halftones in minutes.