Pantones

Pantones refers to the standardized color system developed for precise communication of colors across design, printing, manufacturing, and related industries. Central to this system is the Pantone Matching System (PMS), a catalog of fixed color references that lets designers specify colors with a common, device-independent code. Each Pantone color is identified by a number, often accompanied by a letter indicating the printing substrate, such as C for coated, U for uncoated, or M for matte. For example, Pantone 186 C designates a specific red ink on coated stock.

The Pantone system originated in the 1960s as a practical set of color swatches for cosmetics and quickly evolved into a comprehensive color communication standard for print and product development. It enables consistent color reproduction across printers, manufacturers, and materials, including paper, plastics, textiles, and packaging. Beyond physical swatch books, Pantone offers digital color libraries, software integrations, and color-management tools to support accurate color matching in digital workflows and prepress.

In addition to its core color system, Pantone engages in color forecasting through the Pantone Color Institute, which identifies trends and assigns a yearly Color of the Year that influences branding, fashion, and consumer products. Pantone also provides specialized guides for fashion, home and interiors, and coatings, including finishes and effects that extend the range of selectable colors.

Pantone colors are not the same as standard color spaces like sRGB or CIELAB, but they are often converted into device- or printer-specific values using color-management workflows. The system remains widely used by designers, printers, manufacturers, and retailers seeking consistent, predictable color communication.