A method for forming a multi-color, clustered dot-off-dot halftone screen, includes defining a range of density values for pixels of a first color and assigning those density values to positions along a pixel growth curve; defining a range of density values for pixels of a second color and assigning those density values to positions along the pixel growth curve; and defining the pixel growth curve, such that a plurality of consecutively filled pixels form a cluster along the curve and such that pixels widely separately along the curve are also widely separated within the halftone cell. Density values for pixels of third and fourth colors may be sequentially assigned to positions along the pixel growth curve.