The Difference between Spot Color and Process Color

Our clients are always asking what the difference between spot color and process color is; here is a paper that explains the details of each process:

For most color print projects you will use either spot colors or process colors. Budget plays a large role in the decision as well as the printing method and the specific design elements used in the layout.

In general a couple of spot colors cost less than 4-color or process color printing but when you use full-color photos, process colors may be your only option. There are also some situations that call for both process colors and spot colors in the same print job.

When to Use Spot Colors (such as PMS Colors)

• Publication has no full-color photographs and uses only one or two colors (including one spot color plus black).

• Publication needs a color that cannot be accurately reproduced with CMYK inks, such as precise color matching of a corporate or logo color.

• Printing a specific color over multiple pages that require page to page color consistency.

• Printing over a large area, such as a poster (spot color inks may provide more even coverage).

• Need more vibrant colors than what CMYK inks produces.

• Project requires special effects such as metallic or fluorescent spot inks.

When to Use Process Colors (CMYK)

• Publication uses full-color photographs.

• Publication includes multi-color graphics that would require many colors of ink to reproduce with spot colors.

• Needs more than two spot colors (check with your printer; process color printing can be less expensive than using three, four, or more spot colors).

When to Use Process and Spot Colors Together

• Publication with full-color photographs must also incorporate specific spot colors that cannot be created with CMYK inks (such as logo color).

• Need to enhance or increase intensity of a specific process color by adding a spot color ink to it (a 5th plate for the spot color used in this manner is called a bump plate).

• Portions of a full color publication are coated with a clear varnish (the varnish is specified as a spot color).

For additional questions, please contact your UM Imports representative at 866-999-6486 or email info@umimports.com with your question.