Inks, print machine operators, paper or plastic, card, print job (short-run digital or long-run litho) to monitors will create variables. They exist because it’s impossible to guarantee colour. It’s why, when any client works with me, that these terms are part of the project set-up and you’ll be sent a set to read through. It’s important to point out number 20 on the Hello Lovely terms and conditions here. It keeps the colours consistent and true. When I create branding, I provide this detail of colour information for print and online so that my clients can use their branding in both formats and provide that information to other suppliers. Hexadecimal colours use sixteen different values to represent a single shade, whether it be red, green, or blue - it’s a more detailed way of defining web colours in digital design. However, this can also be done by having your brand identity created to show your key corporate colours using other systems such as CMYK, RGB and Hex. Pantone colours are a good tool for defining the visual elements of your logo and brand identity. It all depends on the nature of the print job and budgetary constraints. RGB can be converted into CMYK but not Pantone.įor print jobs where exact colour isn’t a concern, CMYK is the best choice. With CMYK print, a printer can combine jobs on the same presses, but a Pantone job requires a special set-up to ensure accuracy thus, the print costs more.Īnother consideration is that CMYK and Pantone vary when working with RGB. The problem is that it’s more costly in print. Cadbury’s have trademarked the purple used in their designs. Brands like Coca-Cola and Starbucks use specific Pantone colours in their logo and branding design to create their unique red and green colours, respectively.
The main difference between CMYK and Pantone printing is the level of accuracy. It uses pre-determined colours to “match” and it’s known as the Pantone Matching System or PMS. Pantone printing is colour specific and takes precise mixes of ink to create an exact colour. These values tell the printer that there is no cyan, yellow or key in this colour. Each CMYK swatch will contain a set of values. But those colours modes do not work in print.ĬMYK is a mix of colours and often the result can depend on the print machine set up. LCD/LED televisions use the RGB colour mode too, as do cameras and digital scanners. This is the mode that is usually associated with computer monitors and other displays. When designing for websites, most colours look the same since all monitors and devices display them in RGB. Creators should know the difference between how colours work on screen and in print and within file formats. Why should we pay attention to platforms? It’s just colour isn’t it?ĭesigning across different platforms - print, digital and branding means paying attention to colours. I also offer advice on when you may want to use Pantone colours and why you may want to avoid them. This Tips and Tricks post explains the difference between RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) and CMYK Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key, another name for black) colour modes and when each is used. Authors or clients who want to know if their logo/website/book will work online or print and, if not, why. I’m often asked about colours and how they can vary on different platforms.