Pantone vs CMYK: Which Color Model Should We Choose

The role of color scheme is vital to have a considerable impact on your design project when you are ready to print. The printing game starts with a suitable color selection because the right choice of colors can make or break. Here, it confuses when you want to print on the packaging.

From Pantone, CMYK, and RGB, which color model to choose, a doubt comes in. Every color model has its value and is used in printing. Leaving RGB aside, Pantone and CMYK are significant color options used in printing. They are two different color systems used to achieve desired printing goals. You must be sure either Pantone or CMYK is better.

While designing a project on your laptop or desktop, it looks breathtaking. But, when it is printed on the packaging, you may not get your desired printing result. There is the possibility of dull, worse, or entirely wrong printing upshots. If color picking is good, you will get a fantastic printing outcome. At the same time, a wrong color selection will go nowhere. Therefore, when your printer asks you to print the design, be sure it is 100% in color aspects.

Are you nervous and want to learn which color is better for printing? If SO, don’t worry. Hold your horses. In this guide, we will thoroughly compare Pantone colors (also called spot colors) with CMYK colors which are made using a four-color printing process. It can help you decide which color scheme is appropriate. Here you go!

What Are Pantone Colors

The Pantone known as the Pantone Matching System (PMS), is a color-matching system with a range of colors similar to paint swatches that come in various shades and depths, maintain color consistency, and are used in printing. The distinct shades are created by mixing from pallets of 14 color bases. Each color in this system comes with a particular method that involves a certain amount of ink.

This Pantone printing is globally recognizable by manufacturers and designers. There is a particular allocated number for each color involved in this color system. It helps to understand the specific color to be used no matter where you are. A specific allocated number lets you pick a color from the Pantone model.

Furthermore, Pantone colors are popular in color communication, matching, inspiration, and maintaining consistency. They are suitable for brands that want to print the exact logo or design for a strong recognizable brand identity.

What Are CMYK Colors

The CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This printing model utilizes four main inks to create a diverse spectrum of colors and tones through the overlap of dots. It is used in color printing. By adjusting the proportions and layering of these inks, printing professionals can achieve a diverse array of colors, making CMYK an essential model for creating high-quality printed materials.

This CMYK is an economical and efficient printing solution to print packaging, logo designs, photographs, brochures, business cards, posters, wraps, stationery, signs, and magazines that require multiple colors.

The magic of overlapping tiny dots makes the foundation of four colors. As we have experienced in our school age; the combination of blue and yellow makes green or mixing red with yellow to make orange. When it comes to printing packaging materials, the inkjet printer understands the percentage of each color to achieve the desired shade. As a result, the printer creates full-color photographs or images and brings excellent color results.

Coated Vs Uncoated Pantone

PMS is widely used in the printing industry. Pantone colors come in different finishes. Coated and uncoated Pantone are the most popular finishing options. Here, the appearance of PMS depends upon the usage of the printed paper. This is where the role of the terms coated and uncoated come in.

Coated Pantone:

Containing a shiny finish on coated paper, the ink sits on the top of the coating. Therefore, the ink is absorbed in a minimum amount, which results in brighter, more saturated, and vibrant colors. It is suitable for printing brochures, and magazines where high-gloss prints are required.

Uncoated Pantone:

As the paper is uncoated therefore it is more ink absorbent. Compared to coated Pantone which absorbs less ink, uncoated absorbs more ink on the paper which leads to making colors dull and saturated. This uncoated Pantone is suitable for stationery and letterheads where a classic look is required.

Key Differences Between Pantone Vs RGB

Comparing Pantone with RGB enables you to understand the importance of both color models. Both models have their significance and usage in printing but to some extent, they are different.

RGB: 

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue is an additive color model consisting of 16,777,216 possible colors used to print digital prints or photographs. In this model, each color has its values. Red, Green, and Blue colors make new colors by combining light. This color model offers a wide range of vibrant colors and is less accurate than Pantone but widely used in digital displays.

Pantone:

Pantone is a color space consisting of 9,758 colors made to make it easier to print the specific design or colors that you want to print on the packaging materials.  It offers a limited but consistent color palette throughout the Pantone printing process and produces highly accurate printing results.

Best CMYK To Pantone Converter Tools

Converting CMYK to Pantone is no longer a problem. There are many online tools and platforms discovered. Tools like CMYKTools and ColorsTools are available to help you convert CMYK into Pantone within seconds. You can easily convert CMYK colors into Pantone colors by following simple steps.

Enter the CMYK values of the color you want to convert. Choose a Pantone library according to your requirements. The color converter tool will bring the closest colors. Compare the converted colors with your desired colors. Make some changes when needed. It’s so simple.

Concluding Words

Your design projects finalize which color model is the most suitable option to fulfill your needs. If you want your brand to be instantly noticeable, opt for Pantone. For a pocket-friendly pick while looking awesome, CMYK is exceptionally ideal.

Whether you want to print in Pantone or CMYK colors, the printing experts at Custom Product Packaging are here for your help. Our specialists can guide you through the whole process so you know which will be a better choice. To enquire more about it, email us at order@customproductpackaging.com. Contact us today to consult regarding the design, printing, and packaging your brand requires.