Abstract: The inks provide excellent ink-jet prints having excellent imaging onto glossy inkjet media with increased dot size leading to improved dot visibility and banding robustness of the image. The aqueous inks each comprise from about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of at least one colorant (CMYK) with the black ink comprising from about 0.5 to about 20 wt % of at least one colorant; from about 7 to about 20 wt % of at least one 1,2-diol, from about 0.5% to about 2 wt % of a mono- or di-hydric alcohol; 0 to about 1.5 wt % of at least one component independently selected from the group consisting of buffers, biocides, and metal chelators; and the balance water. The formulations are substantially free of surfactants and other solvents.