A method is used for adapting an inking unit of a printing press. During a setup phase for the printing press, at least a first actual value with regard to an ink application that is set at the inking unit and that is applied to the printed material, is determined by use of a first measuring device. The inking unit is initially set using this first actual value. During continuous printing of the printing press, a plurality of second actual values, with respect to a printed image formed on the printed materials, are determined using a second measuring device which is different from the first measuring device. These second values are fed to an ink adapting device for the inking unit. At least one of these several actual values, which corresponds to the setting mode in the setting phase, is set in the ink adjusting device as its setpoint value. The ink adjusting device detects deviations of the other second actual values for this setpoint value and adjusts the inking unit to minimize these deviations.