Make the grainy two-color print look

01 / Guide

What makes it look printed?

A two-color print uses a small palette to describe the image. Separate ink patterns overlap, open areas let the paper show, and a slight shift between layers leaves a colored edge. These choices make the result feel different from simply tinting the original image.

You might know the look as risograph-style, two-ink, halftone, or duotone artwork. In Pressed, you can explore the marks and paper as well as the colors.

02 / Guide

Start with Pink & Blue

Open Pressed, choose an image from Photos, and select Pink & Blue in the press library. If you are starting with an illustration in Files, save a copy to Photos first.

The example below uses the preset exactly as supplied: Federal Blue and Fluoro Pink on White paper. Switch between Source and Print to see which shapes stay clear and where the colors meet. You can export this included preset for free.

SourcePrint

Koi / Print

View koi print larger ↗

03 / Guide

Change one part of the texture at a time

Open Adjust and work on one choice before moving to the next. Keep returning to the full picture: the texture should support your subject.

Use the enlarged view of the example to inspect the round dots and colored edges. The picture above shows the included recipe; the suggestions below are adjustments to try on your own image.

Dots

Screen controls change the size, shape, and angle of the marks. Larger marks are easier to read as individual dots; check what survives when the picture is small.

Paper

Paper color changes the open areas. Paper texture adds a surface character. Compare the lightest parts so the paper remains part of the picture.

Registration

Registration shifts the ink layers relative to one another. Start gently and watch high-contrast edges for the colored offset.

Ink edges

Bleed softens the edge of a mark. Try a small change while checking fine details and the darkest areas.

04 / Guide

Try a different mood with the same approach

Two inks can also make a quieter image. Teal Duo is another included free preset, shown here on a teacup illustration. It uses Teal and Fluoro Pink on White paper.

Choose a palette for the subject and mood you want, then judge the light and dark shapes before adding more texture. Keeping the preset’s original inks gives you an easy starting point.

SourcePrint

Teacup / Print

View teacup print larger ↗

05 / Guide

Save an image, then make it part of something

Export a JPEG or PNG for a postcard, poster, cover, or social image. Use a layout app to add type and arrange the final composition. Pressed applies the print treatment to your existing artwork.

Free image exports can reach 4096 pixels on the long edge, depending on your source, and the watermark is optional. Exporting your own ink combinations requires Pressed Plus, a one-time purchase. Save Press lets you keep a look to use again; free users can keep one saved press.