A nonbuttable full-width array printhead with reduced number of printbars required in a color printer is disclosed. The number of printbars may be reduced by including one single color printbar for each color and an additional printbar with multicolor die modules including each of the colors of the single color printbars. Die modules on each of the single color printbars are spaced closer together but are not butted. The total number of printbars may also be reduced by staggering printbars with multicolor die modules between printbars with the single color die modules. In the latter case, it is possible to preserve the order that inks of the various colors are applied for all regions of the printed paper.