What is GCR or Gray Component Replacement?
In process color work, this technique means subtracting as much cyan, magenta, and yellow ink or toner as possible in equal proportions from the process colors in dark areas and replacing the deficit with process black. This technique adds to the density of the black, which is usually already present in dark areas. The advantage of doing this technique is it reduces the total area coverage of ink or toner transferred to the printing medium (e.g., paper, transparency, etc.) and decreases the muddiness in dark areas. The advantages are better output at a lower cost since black ink and toner is cheaper, improved dot gain, and lower overall ink and toner usage.
