Desktop Publishing

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

Convert Screen Shots to Grayscale

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Converting to CMYK color for printing can cause problems with fuzzy or blurry black text with some printing methods. By default, in most software RGB to CMYK conversions black is not plain black. Black areas print with a certain amount of cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. Due to the way printing presses work it is possible that the different colors will shift slightly causing fuzzy edges all around black areas. If color isn't necessary, consider converting the screen shot to grayscale. This can save printing costs as well as improve the appearance of some screen shots. Experiment with the color schemes on your screen before taking the screen shots — some color combinations work better in grayscale than others.
More Desktop Publishing Quick Tips
Jacci Howard Bear
Guide since 1997

Jacci Howard Bear
Desktop Publishing Guide

Explore Desktop Publishing

About.com Special Features

Build Your Own Website

Step-by-step advice on how to do everything from choosing a Web host to promoting your content. More >

Connect Your Home Computers

Easy ways to connect two computers for networking purposes. More >

Desktop Publishing

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.