Understanding PMS Colors: What They Are and How They Relate to Pantone

In the world of design and printing, color accuracy is paramount. When brands need consistent colors across various materials and production methods, they often turn to the Pantone Matching System, commonly known as PMS colors. But what exactly are PMS colors, what does PMS stand for in color printing, and how do they ensure brand consistency?

What Are PMS Colors: The Pantone Matching System Explained

PMS stands for Pantone Matching System, a standardized color reproduction system developed by the Pantone company. This proprietary color space is widely used in printing, packaging, product design, and brand identity work to ensure color consistency across different materials and production processes.

The Pantone Matching System was created in 1963 to solve a critical problem in the printing industry: how to achieve consistent, accurate color reproduction regardless of the equipment or materials used. Each PMS color has a specific formula, similar to a recipe, that tells printers exactly how to mix inks to achieve the exact shade required.

PMS vs. Pantone: Are They the Same Thing?

A common question is whether PMS colors and Pantone colors are the same. The answer is both yes and no. Pantone is the company name, while PMS refers specifically to the Pantone Matching System. So while all PMS colors are Pantone colors, not all Pantone color systems are PMS.

Pantone has developed several color systems beyond PMS, including:

• Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) for textiles and interior design
• Pantone Plastics for colored plastics
• Pantone SkinTone Guide for human skin tones

However, when most people ask "what is the PMS color" or "what is PMS in color," they're typically referring to the original Pantone Matching System used in printing and packaging.

How PMS Colors Work in Print Production

PMS colors are created using specific formulations of base inks. Unlike process printing (CMYK) which creates colors by combining cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, PMS colors are pre-mixed before printing, similar to how paint colors are mixed at a hardware store.

Each PMS color has a unique number identifier, such as PMS 185 C (a vibrant red) or PMS 300 C (a bright blue). The number refers to the specific color, while the letter suffix indicates the paper stock:

• C = Coated paper
• U = Uncoated paper
• M = Matte paper

When precision is critical, such as when weighing cannabis products for accurate dosing, having standardized color systems helps maintain quality control throughout the production process, from packaging design to final product inspection.

PMS Colors vs. Other Color Models: CMYK and RGB

Understanding how PMS colors differ from other color models is essential for designers and printers. As explained in our guide to color models including CMYK, RGB, and PMS, each system serves different purposes:

• PMS: Pre-mixed inks for exact color matching, ideal for brand colors and spot colors
• CMYK: Four-color process printing using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks
• RGB: Digital color model for screens using red, green, and blue light

While CMYK is more economical for full-color printing, it cannot reproduce certain vibrant colors that PMS can achieve. This is why many brands specify both PMS colors (for logo reproduction and packaging) and their closest CMYK equivalents (for general printing).

For a deeper understanding of how colors work together, our article on primary, secondary, and tertiary colors provides valuable context.

Selecting and Specifying PMS Colors

Designers select PMS colors using Pantone color guides or digital libraries in design software. These guides show how each color will appear when printed on different paper stocks.

When specifying what PMS color to use, designers typically provide:

• The PMS number (e.g., PMS 2925 C)
• The color name (e.g., "Pantone Blue 2925 C")
• The substrate specification (coated, uncoated, or matte)

For specialized applications like spot colors and identification marks, PMS colors provide the reliability needed for consistent brand representation.

Practical Applications of PMS Colors in Branding

PMS colors are the backbone of brand identity systems. When companies establish their brand guidelines, they typically specify PMS colors as the standard for their logo and brand elements. This ensures that whether their logo appears on business cards, packaging, signage, or promotional items, the colors remain consistent.

For example, Coca-Cola's iconic red is PMS 485, Tiffany's recognizable blue is PMS 1837, and UPS brown is PMS 476. These colors are legally protected as part of these companies' brand identities.

Understanding the relationship between spot colors (like PMS) and process colors is crucial for designers working across different media and production methods.

For cannabis brands, color consistency across packaging is particularly important for brand recognition and compliance. The precise nature of PMS color specification helps ensure that warning labels, dosage information, and brand elements maintain their intended appearance across different packaging materials.