In today’s world, inspiration is everywhere.
The hardest part is turning that idea into reality. As colour is one of the most important elements in product development today, making sure it is right is critical to the success of any product line. So, starting with the right tools will enable you to maintain the integrity of your creative vision, letting your dreams become a reality. If you’re working in print, packaging, or digital design, and aren’t sure which Pantone Colour system you should be using, the Pantone Graphics system is the one for you!
The heart of the Pantone Matching System (PMS) is solid colour ink printed on paper. Why? Solid colours represent the truest representation of colour intent in graphic arts. Solid colour printing, also known as spot or offset, is the process by which a single colour is formulated and then applied through the printing process. The Pantone Formula Guide is the only guide that includes ink formulations.

Colour in the Graphic Design workflow

While we all know that spot colour printing is the most accurate, it is also the most expensive. Therefore, Pantone’s developed one guide for process printing that helps you achieve the closest match to PMS when budgets are tight: the Color Bridge Guide. This fan guide provides a side-by-side visual comparison of Pantone Spot Colours to their closest CMYK process printing match. Color Bridge is the only guide that includes CMYK, Hex, and RGB values for each PMS colour. All PMS colours are also available as Plastic Chips, enabling consistent replication of your colours across your materials, Plastic Chips are large enough to be digitally measured and they also demonstrate multiple finishes and thickness.

1. INSPIRATION
Pantone Fan Guides – find a colour that speaks to you
Pantone’s fan guides are arranged chromatically, making it easy to find the exact shade you’re imagining, at a glance.Capsure – save colours for later!
Sometimes you unexpectedly find the perfect colour during your day-to-day life. Pantone Capsure device can help you accurately measure and save colours that inspire you.Turn your phone into a colour matching tool!
The new Pantone Color Match Card works with your phone’s camera to measure and match coloured objects, materials and surfaces to their closest Pantone Color equivalents.

2. CREATION
Pantone Connect – The platform for matching, creating and designing with Pantone Color palettes
Pantone Connect is a new and powerful platform that lets designers access Pantone Color Libraries, colour values, and navigation tools anywhere they work with colour.
Monitor Calibration – because your eyes can deceive you
Calibration tools allow you to view colour with confidence, on your screen, your projector, and your prints. We recommend you use Calibrite calibration tools.
Palette Development tools – colour is fun, play with it!
Perforated colour chips let you work directly with your palettes, giving you greater confidence in your selections. We recommend that Pantone Solid Chips or Sticker Chips of your desired colour always accompany artwork and design files, to show precise colour intent to strive for on-press.

3. PRODUCT & EVALUATION
Lighting evaluation –
how can you be sure you’re seeing your colour in the right light?
Lighting indicator stickers and viewing booths ensure you’re always evaluating under proper conditions.When comparing colour during your product and print development projects, be sure to evaluate under the light source for the intended final production.
