Graphics Portal – Lines & Gapping

Graphics Portal – Lines & Gapping

We need to compensate for dot gain, which occurs in the majority of all printing methods, in the reproduction of artwork. Positive elements tend to grow. Negative Elements tend to fill in. In a combination of a positive text printing into a negative background, we need to consider both, growth of positive elements and filling in of negative elements.

A separation gap will be applied between colours depending on the individual requirements during reproduction.

Separation gaps should not be applied to artwork files to avoid being mistaken as a printed outline.

Side‑by‑side comparison of a blue circular badge reading 'Total.' Left: simple white text over a dark band labeled Artwork (Pantone 7653). Right: 'Repro Ardagh' version showing layered print build—white text with blue relief plate, base gap, and blue outline—labels point to blue R (relief plate), gap (base), white, and blue.
Side‑by‑side circles showing line weight in printing: left 'Positive line' has a thin cyan diagonal; right 'Simulated gain' shows a thicker, rounded cyan line. Caption text: 'Positive line: Individual lines – minimum 0.2 mm; Lines grouped together – minimum 0.1 mm; In the printing direction (horizontal) – minimum 0.25 mm.'
Side-by-side blue circles comparing a negative (knockout) line. Left circle labeled 'Negative line' shows a light silver diagonal line with rounded ends. Right circle labeled 'Simulated gain' shows the same line noticeably thinner. Caption: 'Negative line: Lines grouped together – minimum 0.25 mm; Opposite of the printing direction – minimum 0.35 mm.'