Full Version: PMS Conversion
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#11]
10 May 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#10] 10 May 2006
The Spyder is from ColorVision:
http://www.colorvision.com/profis/profis_search.jsp?op=search&department_id=401
While the "ColorPlus" is slightly cheaper, the "Spyder2" is better quality. And the Suite version will calibrate not only monitors but also many printers.
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#12]
10 May 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#10] 10 May 2006
RIP software is normaly used for large format inkjet printers. You don't need to use it to do what we are talking about.
Essentially you will need to be able to select a color and change it's value in a CMYK value.
You could easily create a square fill it with values that they suggest to reach a PMS value and tweak from there as David suggested.
How you go through this process depends on what software you use.
It can be time consuming, but it is possible. Your first goal as stated already is to get yourself a PMS color chart. Without this you can't do any color matching at all.
Beyond that, you will need to know how to set CMYK values for spot colors in whatever software that you use. A calibrated monitor would be great, but isn't essential since you are going to be tweaking the color 9 times out of ten anyway.
So
1. Get yourself a PMS Chart
2. Learn where you can set CMYK values for a color field in your prefered software.
Set a value that it shows on a PMS chart for the color that you are trying to match. Print it, press it, and check it against the chart....Adjust accordingly using the color theory info suggested below.
I would strongly suggest that you look into the following info on CMYK color theory. This will help you make adjustments more accurately than just by guessing.
You can find that information here...
http://www.byronc.com/art_color.shtml
Take a look at the CMYK color model portion for what subtractive CMYK colors combine to make new colors (Illustration 8. in the link).
This should help get you headed in the right direction.
From: Mike (MIKEN) [#13]
11 May 2006
To: ALL
I'm a newbie here with my share of color matching problems and I agree with those who recommend acquiring a pms chart but in the meantime here is a link to an online chart which may prove helpful.
http://www.printingassoc.com/pmscolor.html
Mike
EDITED: 11 May 2006 by MIKEN
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#14]
11 May 2006
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#13] 11 May 2006
Printing can use any color inks for the basics of color. A monitor is quite limited. For example it would be impossible to show fluorescent colors that change with the amount of UV available.
EDIT: The blurb just over the colors says a lot, even though the wording is not strong enough.
EDITED: 11 May 2006 by HARVEY-ONLY
From: RALLYGUY (RALLYGUY1) [#15]
11 May 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#14] 11 May 2006
I agree Harvey,
I have checked that site against the actual charts and it is off substantially in some areas. The only thing that that site is really good for is if perfection isn't important. You may be looking at a similar color on each end....or you may not depending on monitor calibration.
The whole idea of the PMS system is to have the same color on each end of the communication.
Anything viewed through a monitor on both ends would introduce quite a bit of schew against the real PMS color that you would see on a chart.
It would be one way to communicate when there are no other means, but far from foolproof, and quite a gamble if you ask me.....