CMYK vs Pantone colors

Our digital presses print 4 colors only -- C, M, Y and K. If you upload a file that uses Pantone (PMS) colors, it won't print the color you're expecting. To make sure your items are the right colors, please convert any spot colors to CMYK. 

It's easy to do! Just open the spot color swatch, change color mode to CMYK and color type to Process from Spot. You might want to change the color swatch name, to remind yourself you've changed the color type if you use that swatch again.

This was an example using Illustrator, but we've got a blog post that shows how to do this process in Photoshop and InDesign, too.

Achieve Accurate Color: How to Convert Spot Colors to CMYK for Professional Printing at StationeryHQ.com

At StationeryHQ.com, we're dedicated to delivering vibrant, accurate colors in all your custom stationery and print projects. Our digital presses utilize a four-color printing process (CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black). To ensure your colors are reproduced exactly as you intend, it's crucial to understand how to handle spot colors.

What are Spot Colors (Pantone/PMS)?

Spot colors, often identified by Pantone Matching System (PMS) numbers, are specific, pre-mixed inks used to achieve consistent color reproduction, especially for brand colors. While excellent for certain printing methods, they require special handling in digital printing.

Why You Need to Convert Spot Colors to CMYK for Digital Printing

Our digital presses use CMYK, which combines cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to create a wide range of colors. If you upload a file with spot colors, our printers will automatically attempt to convert them to CMYK. However, this automatic conversion can sometimes result in unexpected color shifts, leading to inaccurate reproduction of your brand colors or design elements.

How to Convert Spot Colors to CMYK: A Quick Guide

To ensure accurate color output, please convert any spot colors in your design files to CMYK before submitting them to StationeryHQ.com. Here's a brief overview:

Adobe Illustrator:

1. Open your spot color swatch.
2. Change the "Color Mode" to "CMYK."
3. Change the "Color Type" to "Process" (from "Spot").
4. (Optional but recommended) Rename the color swatch to reflect the CMYK conversion.

(We also have detailed tutorials on our blog for converting spot colors in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign – see links below!)

Why This is Important for Your StationeryHQ.com Print Jobs:

• Accurate Brand Colors: Maintain the integrity of your brand identity by ensuring your logo and brand elements are printed in the correct colors.
• Consistent Color Reproduction: Achieve consistent color matching across all your printed materials.
• Predictable Results: Avoid unwanted color surprises and ensure your final product matches your digital design.
• Optimal Print Quality: Get the best possible color vibrancy and detail from our digital presses.

More Help with Color Management

Trust StationeryHQ.com for Professional Color Accuracy

We're committed to delivering high-quality prints with accurate and consistent colors. By understanding how to prepare your files correctly, you can ensure your printed stationery and projects from StationeryHQ.com meet your exact expectations.

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