PMS

Also known as: Pantone Color Matching System

PMS is a color model whose abbreviation stands for Pantone Color Matching System. Unlike other color systems such as RGB and CMYK, PMS colors and their notation are not based on a mixing of base colors. PMS aims to standardize colors so that they can be reproduced by different manufacturers, regardless of the techniques and materials used.

Pantone, the company that developed the PMS standard, has specified for each color how it can be reproduced within the CMYK standard. However, the exact color in printing is determined by more factors than the mixing ratio of base colors. Many designers and printers therefore fall back on a PMS color range when determining and checking colors. In it, the colors from the PMS system can be checked.

Because professional devices are calibrated to mix Pantone colors correctly, the creator has certainty about the final result. This is important, for example, in the spot colors of a corporate identity.

Number of PMS colors and notation

The PMS system initially consisted of 500 colors. Later this was supplemented to 1114 colors. The notation simply consists of a number that refers to its position within the PMS standard. For example, PMS 280 is the official color blue from the flag of Scotland.

The appearance of PMS colors depends not only on the ink colors used and mixing ratio. The substrate, method of printing and finish are also determining factors. For example, the same color can suddenly look brighter with a gloss layer than without. For this reason, there are separate PMS variants where the color numbers are provided with a letter or letter code. There are special color fans for these variants. PMS 032 C is an example of a Pantone color with a coating.

A similar color system, mainly used for paint colors, is RAL.