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The use of colour types to achieve particular effects is an important part of both the design process and accomplishing quality printed results.
Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y) and Black (K) – also commonly known as 4 colour process or full colour printing. These four base colours are used in combination (via small dots on the printed page) to form all possible colours within the spectrum. Individual amounts of some, or all of the four colours, are used to replicate different hues.
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a formula for the selection and reproduction of accurate individual colour. Accepted worldwide, the Pantone system of named colour is also commonly known as spot colour and is used as both a colour choice within computer software and as an ink for printing purposes. These spot colours are often used to accurately match key corporate colours, as the formula for each named colour can be duplicated by any printer.
Spot colours are also used when printing with less than the four process colours. Any amount of spot colours can be run to create a job consisting only of named spot colours, or as additional to full process printing. A two colour job can be created (especially if no images are required with a full colour appearance) and the combination of the two ink colours will produce a third colour when overlayed together. Creative combinations with just two colours, using possible mixes and also unprinted areas (stock showing through), can generate very effective visual results.
Due to the specific inks required, many PMS colours are unfortunately unable to be directly replicated once converted to CMYK. If a spot colour element is converted and included as part of a full colour design, expect to see a colour shift on the printed job.
