A continuous linear array ink jet system and method is capable of depositing a predetermined amount of printing fluid of at least one color onto a linear array of pixels to form a predetermined image to be printed on a substrate. The invention comprises a chamber in fluidic connection to a source of pressurized print fluid. A plurality of orifices are situated in fluidic connection with the chamber to form an array of streams of print fluid from the plurality of orifices. Stimulation is used to synchronize break-up of the streams of print fluid into uniform streams of uniformly spaced drops. The printed density of the linear array of pixels is controlled by controlling the number of uniformly spaced drops on each pixel of the linear array of pixels, dependent on color density to be printed, whereby a totality of printed pixels forms a continuous tone value required to form the predetermined image to be printed.