What is a “Spot” Color?
![A Pantone color guide book fanned open](https://transform.octanecdn.com/crop/900x633/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_489512644.png)
Spot Color Definition
In printing, a Spot Color refers to a color that is created
from a specific ink formula, as opposed to a color that is created with the
CMYK printing process. Because the vast majority of spot color formulas are
derived from the Pantone Matching System (PMS), spot colors are commonly referred
to as PMS colors or Pantone colors.
What is the Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System is a standardized system of
colors used worldwide by printers, graphic designers, advertising agencies, ink
manufacturers, and related professions. The Pantone system was developed in the
early 1960's and provides a universal method for selecting, communicating, and applying specific ink colors.
![Various Pantone color samples with identification numbers](https://transform.octanecdn.com/cdn/https://octanecdn.com/colorvisionprintingcom/colorvisionprintingcom_317012369.png)
By adhering to the Pantone color formulas, any color chosen from the Pantone collection will be consistently accurate regardless of where or when it is printed. All Pantone colors are coded with a unique identification number for easy referencing.
Spot Color vs CMYK Process Color
Unlike CMYK process printing, which simulates colors by overlapping
cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink dots on the paper, spot colors are pure colors.
Spot colors are pre-mixed prior to being placed into the printing press and are generally applied
as solid, standalone ink impressions on the paper.
A project may be printed exclusively with one or more spot
ink colors. Or, spot ink colors can be used in addition to the four CMYK ink
colors. That said, projects are rarely designed to have spot colors overlap
other colors on the paper. This helps maintain the color integrity of the spot
colors.
Related Article: How do PMS Colors differ from the CMYK Printing Process?
Only Offset Presses can print every Spot Color
Every spot color can be printed using the offset printing method of production. Some Digital printing presses have the capability to output certain spot colors, but not every one. Most Digital
presses can only simulate a spot color, which will closely resemble the chosen spot
color but will not be an exact match.
Why do we even need Spot Colors?
By using just the four ink colors of cyan, magenta, yellow,
and black, the CMYK printing process can generate around 16,000 colors.
However, there are still many colors that the CMYK process cannot accurately
recreate, including fluorescent and metallic colors. This is where spot colors
come into play. Currently, there are over 2,000 Pantone spot colors which help
round out the color pallet available for print projects.
In addition, Spot Colors are an important part of corporate branding.
Many organizations have select "corporate colors" that are used for logos,
designs, and taglines to maintain a consistent and identifiable brand. These
corporate ink colors are applied to product packaging as well as business stationery
and promotional pieces. Spot colors ensure the corporate colors will reliably print the
same from project to project and year to year.
Do you have an upcoming project that requires Spot Colors?
Whether you have a print project that uses spot
colors exclusively, or spot colors in combination with CMYK process printing, be sure to get in
touch with Color Vision Printing. Just give us a quick call at 800-543-6299.
Or, submit your project's specifications for a quote by clicking here. We hope to hear from you soon and look
forward to assisting with your custom printing needs!
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