Pantone to CMYK: How to Match Your Colors for Printing

Most amateur and professional designers have dealt with color accuracy when printing a piece because including a range of colors is super important for any work. When it comes to custom printing, PMS Colors are created from their own formula or order by number. So if you are finding it frustrating to be consistent in terms of color, this post might be just what you need to get some perspective.

What is a color match tool?

A color match tool is a device or software that helps you match colors accurately between different color systems, such as Pantone and CMYK.

First of all, let’s check the printing basics. CMYK is a four-color print process consisting of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Here’s a quick overview:

CMYK Printing 

• Uses the 4 standardized base colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black).
• The most widely used and cost-effective color system in commercial printing.
• Small dots of color are printed on paper types in various angles for a printed image that is high in quality.
• Colors of each printed image will be identical.

At 4OVER4.COM, as our name implies, we provide 4/4 color printing for a wide range of print materials including but not limited to business cards, postcards, brochures, calendars, among others. If you’re looking for a specific product, feel free to visit our catalog to find your desired product.

Standardized color keys such as the Pantone Matching System (PMS) help designers prevent any issues like color mistakes or variations. Keep in mind that PMS is an ink, which can be purchased and blended, providing a perfect match to the Pantone color guide. Here’s how you can get the best of both color systems. Next time graphic designers ask you about PMS Color do not feel offended. They’re talking about the Pantone Matching System, a set of over 1000 colors that cannot be simulated by combination of other ink. They are also known as solid or spot colors, because their mixed with such precision that you can see no traces of it. Special colors like metallics and fluorescents belong to this system and can be used to print custom postcards. Only a few of them can be accomplished by mixing the CMYK gamut.

How to Convert Files from Pantone to CMYK

Since converting any file from Pantone to CMYK causes color to shift, it’s crucial to make any necessary changes to compensate for these alterations. Make sure to check the aforementioned color guide by Pantone to see exactly what colors will look like after the piece is printed.

• To convert files using Photoshop, just click on Image, Mode and CMYK color.

• To convert files using Adobe Illustrator, click on Edit, Edit Colors and then click on Convert to CMYK. Next, you need to click twice on one of the Pantone colors in the palette. After that, go to the Color Mode menu and click on CMYK.
• Also, go to the Color Type menu and click on Process before clicking on OK. Last but not least, make sure to repeat these quick steps for each and every one of the Pantone colors in your piece.
• To convert files using InDesign, click on Window, Color and Swatches. Next, go to the upper right corner and click on the arrow before choosing Select All Unused. After that, delete unused colors by clicking on the trashcan icon. Now you need to click twice on one of the Pantone colors in the palette.
• Go to the Color Mode menu before choosing CMYK and go to the Color Type menu before choosing Process. Click OK. Last but not least, make sure to repeat these quick steps for each and every one of the Pantone colors in your piece.

PANTONE to CMYK: Designing for Print

Here are some tips to make sure your professional digital printing services and projects meet the highest quality standards of professional color printing:

• Use an online tool to convert Pantone colors to RGB color and check out what each color looks like on your screen.

• You must use PMS or CMYK color palettes when designing for printing.

• Pantone offers a myriad of formula guides and chip books that showcase PMS colors. They help you see exactly how colors will appear once printed using CMYK inks. Retailing at $155, this very helpful color guide by Pantone is a great resource when choosing PMS colors for printed pieces. It lets designers see what the PMS color looks like after it is created on a CMYK printer.

• Once you choose a printing company, make sure to send a hard copy of your artwork in order to give them an idea of how you wish the color to appear.

• Schedule enough time to allow the printing company to provide you with physical full color copies/proofs.

• Switching your workspaces to CMYK is a simple and free procedure that lets you avoid costly issues during production.
• Keep in mind that screens are not calibrated the same way, thus colors look different across screens. A standard CRT monitor’s colors are more vivid, while colors on an LCD monitor will appear more muted and sometimes washed out.

Ready to Convert Pantone to CMYK?

Although we highly recommend that you pick your colors from paper charts, there is a range of online converters that can be used at no cost whatsoever. This easy-to-use converter has proven to be really useful in the past. It locates candidates of proper Pantone equivalents for any CMYK process color, based on a conversion table. Check out this color chart on our resourceful website that can also be used as a reference guide. Have you used any other online converters in the past? We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to kindly leave a comment below. Remember you can get 30% OFF your first order just by signing up to 4OVER4.COM which can help with all of your professional printing needs. Get your artwork ready and order now!

Pantone or CMYK, quality printing will make the difference for your product. Only trust your projects to professionals. It’ll save you money and headaches in the long run. Make sure choose your designs from our design templates and also to leave us a comment below on what you think about our services.

Conclusion

Most amateur and professional designers have dealt with color accuracy when printing a piece because including a range of colors is super important for any work

Most amateur and professional designers have dealt with color accuracy when printing a piece because including a range of colors is super important for any work. When it comes to paint color, it can be tricky to match colors perfectly. Using tools like the Benjamin Moore or Nix spectrophotometer can help ensure you get the right colors with professional printing. By using these devices, you can analyze color values and find the best match for your project. Whether you are looking for a specific Sherwin-Williams or Behr color, these tools can help you match paint with ease.

Whether you are trying to find a custom color or simply looking for the color you need, these tools can help you find the exact match you are looking for. By exploring the world of color through a color wheel or texture analysis, you can pinpoint the exact color you desire.

FAQs

Q: How does a color sensor work in color matching?

A: A color sensor utilizes technology to scan and analyze colors, providing digital color readings that can be matched to specific color codes or swatches.

Q: What is Color Muse and how does it help in color matching?

A: Color Muse is a colorimeter device that connects to a smartphone app, allowing users to capture and match paint colors from various brands like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams.

Q: Can I use the Nix Mini for color matching paint?

A: Yes, the Nix Mini is a popular color sensor that can be used to accurately match paint colors by scanning and comparing them to a database of color codes.

Q: How do I match colors from a color wheel to CMYK for printing?

A: To match colors from a color wheel to CMYK for printing, you can use color conversion tools or software that help translate the color information accurately.

Q: Is there a tool that helps with paint color matching for home projects?

A: Yes, tools like Color Muse or the Nix Mini 2 can assist in paint color matching for home projects by providing accurate color readings and suggestions.

Q: What are some features of the Instapick Color Sensor for color matching?

A: The Instapick Color Sensor offers Bluetooth connectivity, color analysis, and the ability to match colors from different surfaces for paint projects or design inspiration.