Color Separation for Screen Printing
Master professional color separation techniques for textile screen printing. Learn spot colors, halftones, and production-ready file preparation.
This tutorial is the screen-print workflow, step by step. For the methods behind it across every print process, see our color separation guide.
Why Color Separation Matters
Screen printing applies each ink color through a separate screen. Color separation is the process of converting your multi-color design into individual layers that can be printed one at a time.
Proper separation ensures color accuracy, prevents registration issues, and gives printers the files they need for quality production.
Step-by-Step Guide
Understand Color Separation
Color separation divides a multi-color design into individual color channels. Each channel represents one ink color that prints separately through its own screen.
- One screen = one color
- More colors = more screens = higher cost
- Limit to 6-8 colors for most projects
Analyze Your Design Colors
Identify all distinct colors in your design. Decide which colors need dedicated screens vs which can be achieved through halftone blending.
- Group similar colors when possible
- Consider ink opacity effects
- Account for fabric color underneath
Create Spot Color Channels
Separate each solid color into its own channel. These become your film positives for burning screens.
- Use 100% opacity for solid areas
- Keep channels as separate layers
- Name channels clearly (e.g., '01-Red' or the ink's colour code)
Generate Halftones
For gradients and tonal areas, convert continuous tones to halftone dots. Different angles prevent moiré patterns when screens overlap.
- Standard angles: C15°, M75°, Y0°, K45°
- Use 45-65 LPI for textile printing
- Higher LPI = finer detail but harder to print
Match to Colour References
Assign a colour reference (a code plus Lab values) to each separation. This ensures consistent color reproduction when inks are mixed.
- Give the ink mixer Lab values, not just hex
- Note Delta E for each match
- Consider metamerism under different lights
Export Production Files
Export each color channel as a separate file with registration marks. Include a color spec sheet with every colour code and Lab value.
- Use TIFF or PDF for film output
- Include 1/8" bleed if needed
- Add registration marks at corners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Related Resources
Automate Your Separations
Texloom's Separation Studio splits your design into solid spot-color plates and names each plate after its nearest Texloom library colour. It leaves halftoning to your RIP: set the halftone LPI in the tool so the RIP screens each plate at the right dot density.
Try Color Separation