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The promotional pieces you print should make a strong first impression. But what if the colours you’ve seen on screen failed to turn out well on the print? You feel frustrated, right?
But why it happens? The digital screens with which you curate designs are designed with RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour models whereas printing devices rely on CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) or Pantone colour system. This is because the bright colours you see on the screen may appear dull or a little different in the prints you do.
Many people assume that CMYK and Pantone are just two common colour systems in printing. In reality, these are different from each other, have their own purpose, and look different when printed.
Moreover, the colour system you choose can make all the difference in consistent branding and high-quality prints. Hence, it is important to know what exactly are CMYK and Pantone, and which one you should use as per your printing needs. Gear up, let’s make it happen!
CMYK is the most common colour system used in printers and presses for detail-oriented prints. If you wonder what CMYK stands for, here is the answer.
🔵 Cyan
🟣 Magenta
🟡 Yellow
⚫ Black (Key)
Each of these four colours is added in specific percentages to create different shades. For example,
Cyan + Yellow = Green
Magenta + Yellow = Red
Cyan + Magenta = Blue
In the colour theory, CMYK comes under the subtractive colour model as it gets darker as more ink is added. Since it is a blended process, colours may vary slightly depending on the printers and materials.
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a pre-mixed colour system developed to maintain precise colour consistency anywhere. Instead of mixing inks during CMYK printing, certain colours are already mixed to find them individually.
For Example:
🔴 Coco-Cola Red is (Pantone 484C)
🟢 Starbucks Green is (Pantone 3425C)
Since each colour has a unique Pantone code, the design will look the same no matter where you print marketing materials.
A Fascinating Fact According to Pantone, over 10 million designers and other field professionals make use of the Pantone colour system across the globe. |
When it comes to printing, colour accuracy can either make or break your brand visibility. Though Pantone and CMYK are the most popular, they vary iTo whoever is posting this blog, Kindly take note that this screenshot is only for data cross-checking. Please delete it before posting.n different aspects. Here are the notable differences you must know.
Features | CMYK | Pantone |
Colour Matching | Differs from printer to printer | Prints exact colour as in design |
Suitable For | Full-colour images and gradients | Solid colours and branding |
Cost of Print | Affordable for bulk prints | Too expensive but precise |
Common Uses | Magazines, Flyers, Posters | Logos, Packages, Signages |
For example, if you are printing triangular bollard covers for outdoor branding, Pantone would be the best choice. Does it feel more expensive? Don’t worry. You can convert Pantone to CMYK before you proceed with printing.
One of the most common dilemmas in printing is deciding between CMYK and Pantone colours. Many either end up overspending on Pantone or choose CMYK and compromise on accuracy. To make the right decision, consider the following aspects.
CMYK: Since CMYK is a process-based colour system the final result may vary depending on aspects like ink and the material you use. Even if you use the same colour codes there are chances to see slight differences in final prints.
Pro Tip: 💡 Take advantage of a Pantone to CMYK converter to check how colour appears and compare the closest matches. |
Pantone: As Pantone is pre-mixed, it is guaranteed that you get the exact shades every time, regardless of the printer or material. This is the reason most popular corporate brands use Pantone colours to maintain brand consistency.
CMYK: When compared to Pantone, the spectrum range of CMYK is limited. For instance, CMYK cannot yield exact colours including metallics, and fluorescents. Therefore these colours may not look duller or altered hues in the final print.
Pantone: The Pantone system offers more than 1800 standardised, including but not limited to metallic, fluorescent, and pastel shades. If precise colour matching is undeniable for your project, Pantone is the way to go.
CMYK: As discussed earlier, CMYK printing needs four standard ink colours. Hence, it is a cost-effective option even for bulk printing. Most commercial printers are set up for CMYK to print flyers, brochures, posters, and magazines.
Pantone: Pantone printing requires custom-mixed inks which are more expensive, especially for multi-colour prints. If branding accuracy is your priority, investing in Pantone is a great idea. Otherwise, use tools to convert CMYK in Pantone and get a close alternative for affordable printing.
CMYK: This model works best on paper-based materials such as business cards and books. However, slight differences may happen when printing on different types like matte, glossy, or textured.
Pantone: Since Pantone inks aren’t mixed during printing, they work well on non-paper surfaces like plastic, glass, metal, and more. This makes Pantone a sought-after in many scenarios.
Be it CMYK or Pantone, Printed Bollard Covers is renowned for printing value-packed bollard cover prints for multiple purposes. Get in touch with us today to bring your designs to life!
Hurrah! You’ve now got a clear understanding of Pantone vs CMYK in the printing world. In simple words, CMYK is the go-to choice for full-colour prints at affordable prices whereas Pantone is perfect to attain precision on a premium budget.
Choosing the right colour system is crucial for making your printed materials look as professional as possible. Now, the choice is all yours. Whatever you choose, we are here to exceed your expectations. So, decide now!
An enthusiastic Graphic Designer professional with strong communication and organisational skills, who is passionate about creating and developing innovative ideas with the client to help them get their business noticed. I work to the highest standards and have an excellent eye for detail with skills in design and organisation. I am a dependable and productive worker whose honesty and integrity provides effective leadership and builds excellent relationships. I enjoy innovatively…
