Ever spent hours perfecting your design, only to realize the colors look completely different in print? If you’ve ever faced the frustration of mismatched colors—vibrant on-screen but dull on paper—you’re not alone. Standard digital colors (like RGB or HEX) don’t always translate accurately to physical media, leaving brands with inconsistent visuals. That’s where PMS colors (Pantone Matching System) come in. These industry-standard, pre-mixed ink colors ensure exact color reproduction, so your branding stays flawless—whether it’s on a business card, packaging, or a billboard. In this guide, we’ll break down what what is PMS color, why they’re essential for print design, and how to use them like a pro. No more guesswork, just pixel-to-print perfection. Let’s dive in!

What is PMS Colour? 

A lot of people ask this question as to what a PMS colour is. So basically, PMS is an abbreviation for the Pantone Matching System. This is a standardised colour system that was developed by Pantone in the 1960s. It uses a set of Pantone colors and solid colors, and it is identified by a unique number. 

PMS colours are created by using a precisely mixed ink formula. Normally, we use the CMYK formula for colours. A CMYK is a model that combines cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Each Pantone colour has a special PMS code, which is denoted by PMS. StoreSome LLC offers reliable and trust-worthy PMS color printing to ensure your items are perfectly printed and stand out from the crowd.

What is a PMS Color Chart? 

The PMS color chart is a standard chart that is used by designers, business owners, and people who are into brand building and fashion. This chart gives you various colors to choose from. With this chart, you have options to choose from. 

Why Use PMS Color Printing? 

Imagine if Coca-Cola had a slightly different shade of red. That would have caused a drastic change to the business. It was because of the colour that it truly stood out. Now imagine if this were the case with McDonald’s and if they used a different shade of yellow. The science behind PMS colour is very simple and clear. Unlike digital colour models like RGB or print models like CMYK, PMS colours do not really rely on screen and press mixing. This means that the colour is always going to be the same, no matter the medium. Here are some of the reasons why the PMS colour is so important: 

Brand Consistency Across All Media 

A brand is represented by its colours. Whether it’s your logo, packaging, or business cards, the colors that you are using are very important for your business. PMS is universally recognised, so no matter what printer or material you are using and also no matter what country you are in, the PMS color will remain the same. 

High-Quality Printing 

PMS colors are not really built by mixing CMYK inks; with PMS colors, there is more precise control. PMS is also very good since it can build colors that are very hard to achieve and make. Especially when it comes to vibrant colors like oranges, teals, and purples. 

Huge Color Range 

With the PMS color chart, there is a huge range of colors. A lot of times, businesses really struggle with the right shade and color, so for that, PMS helps a lot. It includes a lot of vivid shades and colors. You can also go for fluorescent shades, metallic finishes, and deep colors. 

Predictable Results 

With PMS color charts, you get fewer surprises and more predictable and good results. PMS helps you know what to expect because you can see Pantone colour swatches. 

Real-World Applications of PMS Colour 

Now that you know what PMS color is, let’s discuss some of the real-world applications and uses of the PMS color chart. 

To Establish Brand Identity

Every brand and business uses the PMS color chart for their business and brand. This is done to standardize their brand colors. We see this happening in a lot of brands, like Starbucks, which uses the color green. On the PMS color chart, it will be PMS 3425C. 

Packaging Design 

Every packaging design is different and unique. From perfumes to apparel, we need packaging, so if you want to make your packaging stand out, then you need to use the PMS colour chart and use unique designs and colours that will elevate your packaging. 

Fashion and Textiles 

Pantone is used in the fashion industry a lot. Fashion designers use the Pantone color chart for their apparel and fashion. In the fashion industry, we use unique colors so that they match their vision and make the clothing stand out. 

Interior Design 

Pantone is used widely for interiors, paints, coatings, tiles, and in architecture. It makes the furniture look modern and beautiful. People who love customised furniture can use Pantone to select the colors for their furniture. 

Promotional Products 

In promotional products, we need unique and vibrant colours, and Pantone will help you choose the color scheme for you. To understand more about personalised and merchandise products, read our blog, How to Create Branded Merchandise with Custom Printing. 

Here are some tools that are used for PMS colour printing: 

• PMS formula guides 
• PMS Color Bridge 
• PMS Connect 
• Adobe Illustrator 
• Pantone Studio App 

Final Thoughts 

PMS colour charts and PMS colour are very important; they’re the backbone for a lot of businesses and brands. With the PMS color chart, you can build a visual board and brand identity. From business cards to packaging and more, PMS has a lot of applications, and it has proved to be very beneficial as well. In a world where colors play such an important role, it is very important that you make sure which ones you are using. So, now that you know what PMS color is, you can very easily decide which colours to choose for your business!

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What does PMS color mean? 

PMS is an abbreviation that means Pantone Matching System, and it was specifically created for specifying ink and colours. These are custom mixed colors that are used for businesses, branding, logos, and other things related to designing. 

2. How can I find my PMS color? 

You can use various tools. You can use guides, color bridges, Adobe Illustrator, and other tools like that to get your PMS colour. 

3. Can I convert PMS to RGB or HEX?

Yes, you can convert by using the Pantone Color Bridge. Oftentimes, the result does not really match what you want, and the pigment might even vary.

4. How many PMS colors are there? 

There are over 1800 Pantone colors in the Pantone color chart. It also includes guides for textiles, plastics, and other digital things.