Customer Service > FAQ's > What is CMYK versus Pantone Colour?
FAQ - What is CMYK versus Pantone Colour?
Colour can sway thinking, change actions, and cause reactions.
In a world of endless colour there are a few things to think about. There are two main ways to print colour, Process - CMYK and PMS - Spot.
In a world of endless colour there are a few things to think about. There are two main ways to print colour, Process - CMYK and PMS - Spot.
In four-colour process (CMYK) digital or offset printing, primary colours (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black or the 'Key' colour) are mixed together to produce any and all of the colours that are seen in magazines and colour books. This is often referred to as a ‘full’ colour print.
Spot colours, also known as PMS colours, and officially as the Pantone Matching System colours, are specific colour formula's used in offset printing that will reproduce accurately in print. Instead of simulating colours by combining the CMYK primary colours, spot (PMS) colours are pre-mixed with existing and published colour formula's. Because of this, you can rest assured that the PMS colour that you have chosen from your pantone booklet will be matched accurately every time.