Pixel data are processed in digital color printing, by mapping a multi-value input intensity value for a color to be printed into a multi-value first quantity level for a first ink which is the color to be printed, the first ink having a first density. The input intensity value corresponding to the color to be printed is also mapped into a multi-value second quantity level for a second ink which is the color to be printed, the second ink having a second density which is greater than the first density. A four-position binary dot pattern is then generated for the first and second inks based on the first and second quantity levels. During the mapping, the first quantity level is limited to a value which would result in causing not more than two dots in the four-position binary dot pattern to be generated for the first ink.