The four-color process is one of your main options when it comes to color printing. If you're using this process for a printing project, you need to know how to create and print your design so that you achieve the highest quality end result.

The following are six things you shouldn't do when it comes to the four-color process to optimize the quality of your print job. 

Printing on paper that is not completely white

Color printing with the four-color process should be done on white paper only. Choose paper that is as white as possible. If you print on paper that is off-white or tinted in some way, the colors are likely to come out differently than you expect.

In addition to choosing absolutely white paper, you should also choose paper that is smooth and glossy for the highest quality image. 

Using colors that the four-color process can't render well

Although the four-color process is a popular and effective option in color printing, there are some colors that this process does not render well. These include the colors orange, navy, silver, and fluorescent colors. 

You should minimize the use of these colors in your design if you'll be printing with the four-color process. 

Using the wrong file type

It's important to use the right file type for the four-color process when getting them ready for printing. This means that you need to make sure that you've converted your files to the CMYK profile.

Doing so helps ensure that your printed product will match as closely as possible with what you see when looking at your design on the computer screen. 

Not having a high enough resolution

When it comes to the four-color process, it's always best to use the highest resolution possible. If you try to print low-resolution images with the four-color process, your printed product may not be true to your initial design. 

Using very small fonts

The four-color process is generally better for printing designs with large print. Small print could turn out to be illegible if you print with the four-color process. Try to use large or medium-sized text when creating a design that will be printed using the four-color process. 

Printing text over a photograph or complex design

Another thing that can compromise text legibility with the four-color process is placing text over a photograph or a complex design. You'll maximize the legibility of text by placing it over a solid or simple background. If you do place text over a photograph, you might improve text legibility significantly if you lighten the photograph underneath.