Print glossary
Pantone: definition
Pantone is a system of spot colours mixed from ready inks and identified by numbers, e.g. PANTONE 186 C. It is used when a brand colour must be identical in every run.
- Type
- Spot colour
- Code
- Number and letter, e.g. C (coated) or U (uncoated)
- In CMYK
- Approximation only
More about the term
A Pantone colour is printed with a separate ink, so it is exact but more expensive in small runs. In digital print it is usually approximated in CMYK. See CMYK vs RGB.
Frequently asked questions
Can Pantone be printed digitally?
Usually as a CMYK approximation. Some machines have extra inks that widen the gamut.
What does the letter C mean?
Coated paper. U is uncoated.
See also
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