We all know the importance that color has for marketing and branding a business. We bet that by now, anyone in the world can easily identify McDonald’s yellow and red colors from their logo. This is because colors matter and they can leave an imprint in our brains, making them easily recognizable!
Some reasons why color is crucial for marketing and branding a business:
- Color evokes emotions: Different colors can evoke different emotions in people. For example, red can represent passion and excitement, while blue can represent trust and reliability. By using the right colors in your branding, a company can tap into these emotions and create a deeper connection with your audience.
- Color makes your brand more memorable: As mentioned earlier, color can leave an imprint in our brains. By consistently using the same colors in your branding, you can make your brand more memorable and easier to recognize.
- Color can set you apart from competitors: Using unique colors that are not commonly used in your industry can help your brand stand out from competitors. This can be especially important in crowded markets where many businesses are offering similar products or services.
Getting the right colors of a logo printed on any custom display or marketing material is crucial for any brand. A slight color difference can make any brand look like a knockoff or a cheap representation of the brand. This is why it’s important to know the PMS or Pantones of your logo before sending anything out to print to verify that color matching is available. You want to ensure that your colors are not only correct but that they also align with your brand.
Consistency in branding is important. Using the correct PMS or Pantones ensures consistency across all marketing and branding materials, whether it’s a business card, brochure, or promotional item. This consistency helps build brand recognition and trust with your audience. Know the correct PMS for better color accuracy. When printing your logo or branding materials, using the correct PMS or Pantones ensures that the colors are accurately reproduced. This is especially important when printing materials with multiple colors or when printing on different substrates.
Use the Toolkit to prevent color surprises, delays, and costly reprints.
Find the PMS Colors of Your Logo
So what is a PMS (Pantone Matching System) anyway and how do you find the PMS colors in your logo? Well, long ago, the color Gods at Pantone decided to create a universal color language by giving each color a code to be identified by in the Pantone book. Each color is primarily produced from a palette of 18 basic colors, and there are now about 1867 solid Pantone Colors.
Most likely, when you had a designer create your logo, they picked one for you based on the colors that you had in mind. Your designer should have this information readily available for you to use. However, if you don’t have this information, don’t panic, we can help you!
Here are some great tips to help you find the correct PMS color of your logo using the Pantone System, or by using Adobe Illustrator.
Pantone Colors in Adobe Illustrator
If you have Adobe programs available, you can use Illustrator to find the PMS colors in your logo. Simply follow these steps:
1. Open the file and use the Direct Selection tool and click on your logo
2. Click on the Colors Panel on the Right Side of the window.
3. Your PMS color will be displayed on the window.
For a visual guide on how to find your pantone color in your logo, please check out this video:
Visit the Pantone Color Finder
This tool will not show you how to find the exact color on your logo. However, this tool comes in handy when color matching the colors in your logo. You can use it to find the colors that closely match the colors that you are currently using for your logo. There are tons of colors to select based on the Hue or colors that you are using now. It’s also a great tool to help you choose colors if you’re in the process of changing colors.
Here are 2 more ways to find the PMS color of your logo:
- Use online tools: There are many online tools available that can help you find the PMS color of your logo. Simply upload your logo and the tool will identify the colors and provide the corresponding PMS codes. Try getting the pantone color at: https://www.colorabout.com/tools/pantone-color-from-image/
- Contact your designer: If you worked with a designer to create your logo, they should have the PMS or Pantone information readily available. Contact them and ask for the specific colors used in your logo.
Designers Can Save a Color or Find Recently Used Colors!
Professional designers use PMS colors for logo and brand printing
- Color matching: Professional designers have experience with color matching and can ensure that your branding materials are printed with accurate colors.
- File preparation: Designers can prepare your files for printing, ensuring that they meet the requirements of the printing company and are optimized for the best print quality.
- Design expertise: Professional designers can help you with logo design, layout, and typography, ensuring that your branding materials are visually appealing and effective in communicating your message.
Reasons to work with a professional designer include:
- Time savings: Working with a professional designer can save you time and allow you to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Increased brand recognition: Professional designers can help create a consistent look and feel across all branding materials, which can lead to increased brand recognition and awareness.
- Improved quality: Professional designers have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your branding materials are of the highest quality and achieve the desired results.
- Future Proofing: With the right logo file, you can maintain brand and style consistency with future logo printing projects.
We have a team of talented graphic designers that are here to help you with your future projects. They will make sure that we have all your colors correctly or that we can color match them before sending anything out to print. We can help with logo recreation for your next printed display, we can help. We will even show you a 3D presentation of what your product will look like before you send it out for printing.
PMS Color FAQs
Quick answers about Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors for accurate, consistent print production.
What is a PMS color?
A PMS color is a standardized ink color defined by the Pantone Matching System (PMS). It ensures consistent color reproduction across print materials, regardless of printer, substrate, or location.
Why is knowing my PMS color important for printing?
PMS colors ensure brand consistency in professional printing. Without PMS references, colors can shift between printers, materials, and production runs—leading to inaccurate brand representation.
How do I find the PMS color of my logo?
You can find your PMS color by:
- Checking original brand guidelines or logo files
- Opening vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) in Adobe Illustrator
- Using a Pantone color book or digital library
- Having a professional printer match and verify the color
Can I convert RGB or HEX colors to PMS?
Yes, but conversions are approximate. RGB and HEX colors are for screens, while PMS is for print. A Pantone conversion tool can suggest a close match, but printed samples should always be reviewed.
Is PMS the same as CMYK?
No. PMS uses premixed spot inks, while CMYK blends four inks during printing. PMS provides greater color accuracy, especially for logos and brand colors.
What if I don’t have my original logo files?
If original files are missing, a professional printer can:
- Recreate vector artwork
- Color-match from an existing print sample
- Recommend the closest PMS match for consistency
Can PMS colors look different on fabric or tents?
Yes. Substrate, texture, and material type (fabric, vinyl, polyester) can affect how PMS colors appear. Professional printers often adjust output to maintain visual consistency across materials.
Do I need PMS colors for digital use?
PMS colors are not required for digital use, but they serve as a master reference for creating accurate RGB and HEX equivalents for web and screen applications.
How many PMS colors should a logo use?
Most professional logos use 1–3 PMS colors to maintain clarity, consistency, and cost efficiency in printing.
Can a printer verify my PMS colors before production?
Yes. Reputable printers can review files, confirm PMS references, and provide proofs or samples before full production to ensure accuracy.
What’s the difference between coated and uncoated PMS colors?
- Coated (C): For glossy or coated materials
- Uncoated (U): For matte or uncoated materials
The same PMS number can look different depending on the surface.
What happens if I use the wrong PMS color?
Using an incorrect PMS color can result in inconsistent branding, reprints, wasted materials, and increased costs—especially for large-format or event graphics.
