# Overprint

> Overprint is a print instruction to retain underlying colour when another object is printed over it.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/overprint
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Artwork

## What it means in packaging

Without overprint, an object typically knocks out the colours beneath it. Overprint can be intentional for small black text or production separations, but an incorrect setting can make colours mix or elements disappear.

## A practical example

A white object set to overprint may fail to appear as expected because white generally adds no ink in process printing.

## What to check

Inspect the actual output PDF with overprint preview and confirm the printer’s handling of technical separations.

## Use it in your project

- [Print checks and production exports](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/print-checks-and-exports)
- [Place artwork and manage layers](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/artwork-and-layers)

## Related terms

- [Spot colour](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/spot-color) — A spot colour is a named colour separation handled independently from process colour channels in a print file.
- [Trapping](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/trapping) — Trapping is a small overlap between adjacent printed colours intended to hide gaps caused by registration variation.
- [Packaging proof](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/proof) — A packaging proof is a review version used to check a defined aspect of a design before production.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)