What is Pantone

Pantone is a standardized color matching system, utilizing the Pantone numbering system for identifying colors. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all reference a Pantone numbered color, making sure colors match without direct contact with one another. The most commonly referenced colors are in the Pantone solids palette. The Pantone Solid palette consists of 1,114 colors, identified by three or four digit numbers, followed by a C, U, Or M suffix.. Originally designed for the graphics industry, the pantone solids palette is now used by a wide range of industries, and is the most commonly used palette. For example, Pantone 199 Red can be identified as Pantone 199C (C= Coated Paper), Pantone 199U (U= Uncoated Paper) or Pantone 199M (M=Matte Paper).

Source from Colourguides.net

 

 

Types of Pantone guide

 

Solid Coated is Glossy coated & Uncoated is Matte coated.

 

 

Convert Pantone to CMYK

There are times when projects are going to be designed for multiple print channels, like a magazine ad (CMYK) and a direct mail piece (Pantone solid color). This presents some very real problems for the designer and the printer, as some colors just will not match. The Pantone solid color might be clean and bright and the CMYK version might be dull and dirty.

 

 

Books or Tools we recommend for pantone colors guide: