Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to combine spot and process inks to create color variations in Adobe InDesign while controlling print separations.
Mixed ink swatches create color variations by combining spot colors with other inks, without adding extra plates. They help maintain brand consistency within print limits. Before using, add at least one spot color and define print requirements. Create a single mixed ink with specific values, or use mixed ink groups to generate multiple variations automatically.
Create a single mixed ink swatch
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Mixed Ink Group. This option is available only after adding a spot color to the Swatches panel.
Enter a name in the Name field.
Select each ink you want to include. An ink icon appears when selected.
Adjust values using the sliders or enter percentages for each ink.
Select OK.
Create a mixed ink group
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the panel menu icon, then select New Mixed Ink Group. This option is available only after adding a spot color to the Swatches panel.
Enter a name in the Name field.
Select each ink you want to include. An ink icon appears when selected.
Enter the initial percentage for each ink to define the series's starting point.
Specify the number of additional swatches in Repeat field.
Enter the percentage increase for each repetition in the Increment field.
Select Preview Swatches to review the generated swatches.
Select OK.
Tip
To create 20 swatches, mix cyan at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% with a spot color at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Set cyan Initial to 20%, Repeat to 3, and Increment to 20%. Set the spot color Initial to 10%, Repeat to 4, and Increment to 10%.
The parent swatch in a mixed ink group is marked with a special icon. Changes to the parent update all related swatches, while changes to a child swatch affect only that swatch.
Modify mixed ink swatches
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Double-click the mixed ink swatch to edit.
Adjust ink percentages, included inks, or the swatch name.
Select OK.
You can edit the entire parent swatch mixed ink group. You can change or select the inks used, but you can’t modify the Initial, Repeat, or Increment values. Create a new group if needed.
Deleting a spot color used in mixed inks prompts you to choose a replacement. Mixed inks must include at least one spot color, or they convert to process colors.
Manage mixed ink groups
You can add swatches to a mixed ink group, convert them to process colors to reduce costs, or remove the group when it’s no longer needed.
Add a swatch to an existing group
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the parent icon of the mixed ink group.
Open the panel menu icon, then select New Color Swatch.
Enter a name and set the percentage for each ink.
Select OK.
Convert mixed inks to process colors
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Double-click the mixed ink swatch you want to convert.
Select Process from the Color Type drop-down menu.
Select OK.
To convert all swatches in a mixed ink group to process colors, double-click the parent swatch and select Convert Mixed Ink Swatches to Process.
Remove a mixed ink group
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the parent icon of the mixed ink group.
Select the Delete Swatch icon at the lower-right of the panel. Deleting the parent removes all child swatches in the group. Ensure you no longer need them before deleting.
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