PMS Spot Colors VS Printed CMYK Colors
02-06-2023 08:52:46

When in book printing, the customers usually create their own artwork files. However, we occasionally receive artwork files designed that is not suitable for the printing. For example, the software can output the design to a color desktop printer just fine, but it doesn't allow the separations required for commercial four-color printing (CMYK).


Even if designers use professional typesetting software and can do CMYK separations, sometimes colors in files are inadvertently set to PMS (spot color) colors when CMYK is intentionally used. In fact, this is a very common problem that a book printing factory often encounter. So what's the difference between PMS (spot color) colors and process (CMYK) colors?


1. What is CMYK color?


cmyk color

CMYK is the color format used by general four-color printers, and the color gamut consists of four primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black).
Process colors are created on press by applying separate layers of 4 ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK)) at different concentrations on the paper. By layering these four colors, you can create almost any color imaginable. CMYK process printing, often called four-color printing or full-color printing, is often used for prints that include multicolor designs and photos, such as full-color books, brochures, flyers, and postcards.


2. What is PMS color?



Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a more accurate color gamut system developed by Pantone, consisting of 9 primary colors and 5 metallic colors. The new system is also constantly updated with new colors to make the color gamut wider.

PMS colors, also known as spot colors or Pantone Matching System colors, are specific color formulations that can be accurately reproduced in print. Instead of simulating colors by layering multiple ink colors like CMYK 4-color printing, PMS ink colors are pre-mixed from existing color formulas and assigned a standardized number. Using PMS colors ensures consistent color wherever and whenever prints are produced. However, since PMS ink colors are specific formulations, there is usually an additional charge. PMS colors are typically used for logos or text that require a consistent look, such as envelopes, letterheads, and some business cards.


PMS colors VS CMYK colors: How to choose?


For general printing, CMYK is a common choice. However, CMYK cannot achieve a very wide color gamut due to the limitation of pigments, and many colors cannot be covered, such as various natural neutral colors, fluorescent colors and metallic colors.

For high-demand printing, PMS provides a wider color gamut for selection. In addition to a wider color gamut, it can also synthesize various special colors, but it is generally not used in ordinary printing industries, but in more advanced design industries, such as clothing industry, paint industry and advanced advertising design.

If you plan to print your work using a CMYK 4-color process, be sure not to use PMS spot colors in your artwork design. When designing for CMYK 4-color printing, it is best to refer to the Pantone Process Book and use the process color that is closest to the desired PMS spot color. Otherwise, it may produce unexpected results when your PMS spot colors are converted to CMYK process colors to create printouts.

[Go back Menu]