Abstract: A method for preserving the black composition of at least one object positioned to overprint a special color in a print image for preprint color management of a printing operation using a computer, includes transforming the special color and the object into a combination of process colors of the printing operation during the color management process and then using this combination of process colors to generate the print image in a printing machine. The color transformation into the process colors of the printing operation is achieved in two stages. In a first stage, the color transformation into the process colors is carried out while keeping the special colors, then checking if the object is overprinted onto the special color, then removing the black proportion of the object and then in a second stage, transforming the special color into the process colors and subsequently maximizing the black proportion of the object.