Expert: Amy - 8/11/2009

Question
I would like to know when it is appropriate to use prosses swatches and when it is appropriate to use patone swatches


Answer
Hi Wendy,

You use Pantone spot color swatches when you are doing a spot color job. Like a t-shirt, a 2-color business card, or any job that uses a restricted number of colors. You work with a Pantone guide that shows you, on paper, the color of the pre-mixed, numbered ink.

You use Process swatches when you are doing a full-color, CMYK job. The colors you create will be a blend of cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

Here is an article that explains the two types of printing processes and the two types of ink mixing: http://www.mam-a.com/sales_services/process_color_vs_spot_color.htm

Regarding the last sentence in that article. Pantone makes a Bridge (or solid to process) guide that helps you figure out the CMYK mixes that come closest to their spot colors.

I hope this helps!
-Amy