Pantone vs Process

Introduction

Pantone is the most recognised colour matching reference system for reproducing colour consistently and accurately, having a wider colour range than process inks. Printers mixing their own ‘special’ inks are not Pantone inks, and must supply us with an L*ab colour reference for a visual comparison in our software and proofs.

Libraries

Non-process (CMYK) inks are usually generically referred to as spot colours.

The qualities of a paper will alter their printed appearance, so Pantone have created swatch books and corresponding software libraries to use.

• ‘Pantone+ Solid Coated’
• ‘Pantone+ Solid Uncoated’

Always select the library for the paper stock, with C (coated) or U (uncoated) suffix Pantones.

Other inks such as premium metallics, neons and pastels can be found under other Pantone+ library presets in swatch books. Swatch books are available from Production.

Conversions

Process to Pantone

Production may on occasion request a flat tint CMYK colour be converted to a single solid Pantone, especially when the CMYK contains inks below 6%, pastel or skin toned. Solid inks are much less susceptible to perceived colour balance changes when printing.

Pantone to Process

To reduce production costs, Pantone colours should be evaluated for CMYK printing. While some colours can be simulated well, there are many that look quite different and disappoint, especially bright colours. These colour conversions can be very subjective, with Adobe and Pantone using differing formulas during conversion. We recommend using Adobe Photoshop to switch to process colours and from there make any changes on a calibrated screen. Avoid creating colours with 1% or 2% of any process ink, as these may not print. If necessary, make several comparison swatches to a simulated paper proof.