Total Area Coverage

Total Area Coverage (TAC) refers to the maximum combined percentage of ink (typically CMYK) that a printer will apply to a given area on the substrate. It is set to prevent problems caused by over-inking, such as drying issues, ink bleed, smudging, or damage to the media. Different substrates absorb ink differently—coated papers can handle higher TAC values, while uncoated or synthetic materials may require lower limits. By setting an appropriate TAC, you ensure that print quality is maintained, the press runs reliably, and the final output remains consistent and durable.

Select a PDF TAC chart file, then print it on your press to evaluate how different Total Area Coverage levels perform on your chosen media.

Examine the printed TAC chart and select the appropriate TAC value from the available list based on the best visual result.