An inverse mask image generating printer and printer module are provided. In one aspect, an inverse mask image generating module has an input adapted to receive the image data for an image to be printed said image data having color data for a first set of colors used in a first color model; an inverse mask image processor generating an inverse mask image using color data for one of the first set of colors; and an output providing the inverse mask image for use by a print engine. The inverse mask image is generated based upon the color data for a selected one of the first set of colors so that the inverse mask image can be generated without first determining color separation toner images that define amounts of color toner to be applied to form the elements of the image.