How to Check CMYK in Adobe InDesign

Updated on:

April 6, 2026

By:

Madhav Bhandari

Use this interactive demo to learn how to check CMYK color values in Adobe InDesign.

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Here’s a simple and quick guide on how to check CMYK in Adobe InDesign:

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To check for CMYK in Adobe InDesign, go to the top menu and click 'Window.'
Select 'Output' → 'Separation Preview.'‍
Once the Separation Preview panel opens, you can view the CMYK values in InDesign.

📌 Why this matters

Checking CMYK values prevents costly printing surprises by showing exactly how your colors will reproduce on press. You can spot problematic RGB colors that will shift dramatically when converted, identify areas where rich blacks might print muddy, and catch gradients that could band or cause registration issues.

This preview also reveals which plates contribute to specific colors, helping you optimize ink coverage and avoid unnecessary complexity in four-color builds that could be achieved with fewer separations.

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