Abstract: An inker for applying ink to a lithographic printing plate having ink-receptive and ink-rejecting areas. Certain of the ink-receptive areas of the plate are to print substantially the same color as the other of the ink-receptive areas and are disposed in axially adjacent circumferential sections of the printing plate. The circumferential sections of the printing plate have different percentages of ink-receptive areas. The inker comprises a form roll having a cylindrical outer surface, means for applying an ink film to the entire cylindrical outer surface of the form roll and means for supporting the form roll so that the cylindrical outer surface has an ink-transferring engagement with the printing plate. A smooth coating of ink is applied to the axially adjacent circumferential ink-receptive sections of the printing plate due to axial movement of the form roll while the form roll is in the ink-transferring engagement with the printing plate.