When it comes to printing, having good contrast is essential for legibility and visual appeal. A background that lacks contrast can make it difficult to make out what you are attempting to communicate. Fortunately, there are a few techniques you can use to increase contrast and make your background more legible when printed.

Increase the Contrast of the Background Image

One way to increase the contrast of a background image is to adjust its contrast in an image editing software like Adobe Photoshop. This can be done by opening the image and selecting the "Brightness/Contrast" tool. Adjusting the contrast slider to the right will increase the contrast and make the darker areas of the background darker and the lighter areas lighter. This will help make the background more distinct and easier to read.

Choose Colors with High Contrast

Choosing colors with high contrast can also help increase legibility. For example, if your background is a light color, consider using dark text or graphics to make them stand out. If your background is dark, use light colors for text or graphics. This creates a strong visual contrast that makes the text or graphics easier to read.

Use Solid Colors

Using solid colors for your background can help ensure good contrast and legibility when printed. Avoid using backgrounds with patterns, gradients, or textures, as these can often appear blurry or muddy when printed. Instead, use a solid color that contrasts with the colors of any text or graphics that will be overlaid on top.

When Using A Gradient Map

When using a gradient map, you are essentially replacing the dark and light color values. Be sure to make your dark/shadow colors a dark color and your light/highlight colors a much brighter color. These should be high-contrast colors, such as the header image in this article.

In conclusion, increasing contrast is an essential step in making your background more legible when printed. By adjusting the contrast of the background image, choosing colors with high contrast, and using solid colors you can ensure that your design is easy to read and visually appealing when printed.