Abstract: This disclosure is directed to formulations for inks and methods for achieving those formulations for use in an emerging class of variable data digital lithographic image forming devices. Specific sub-system requirements that are unique to the emerging architecture caused an exploration of formula boundaries that, through experimentation, were determined to substantially reduce particle sizes for the color pigments enabling a higher latitude for ink image thickness. Experimentally-derived behavior in reducing particle size and adjusting rheological properties results when a inks are processed using a 3-roll mill with cooling employed. Inks demonstrated a preferably reduced preferred particle size distribution enabling a higher latitude for ink image thickness down to about 0.5 microns.