___ saver (printing option for a crossword)

INK

Think of what you might conserve when printing to avoid running out during a puzzle.

This clue plays on the phrase "ink saver," which is a printing setting that reduces ink usage. In crosswords, the blank represents a missing word—here, "ink" fits perfectly as it completes the common term. The hint subtly nods to how crosswords themselves are often printed, making the answer a clever double reference. It’s a straightforward fill-in-the-blank with a practical twist.