Methods and apparatus to provide user-customizable flush patterns in an ink-based printing system

Methods and apparatus for user customization of flush patterns in an ink-based printing system. Features and aspects hereof provide for user input to define a flush pattern and to define a location at which the flush pattern is to be placed on sheetside images. By integrating the flush pattern as defined by the user into the sheetside images, the flush pattern may convey useful information or may at least be aesthetically acceptable as compared to prior flush pattern definitions. The user may select among a plurality of standard, pre-defined patterns and locations or may define a fully customized pattern to be placed at a fully customized location. Text or other potentially useful patterns may be defined by the user. Analysis of the sheetside images may permit the user to define placement of the pattern so as to avoid occluding information imprinted on the sheetside images.