How Many Colors Should I Use?

here isn't a simple black and white answer to this question (pun intended). The real issue is "How many inks should I use?" A brochure might appear to be using dozens of colors but it's only using four process inks while an eight-color brochure appears to be using half that many colors.

There are basically two color printing methods to choose from: process-color printing and spot-color printing. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Process Color Printing With process printing, one has the flexibility of a wide spectrum of color choices. This is also the printing method that will allow one to use full-color photographs while paying for just four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). The only downside to this method is that colors aren't nearly as vibrant as spot colors and a designer may not be able to match a particular color exactly.

Spot Color Printing Typically, spot color printing uses a colored ink system known as the Pantone Matching System (PMS). There are hundreds of colors to choose from in this system and some include extra bright colors, dark colors, fluorescent and even metallic colors. Basically, any color you can imagine, you can find as a spot color choice. The downside is that, no matter how many spot colors are used, you can't create full-color photographs.

Can you use both process and spot colors? Certainly. People do it all the time. However, the more inks that you use, the more expensive the cost to print it. Before a job is designed, it's a good idea to talk to your printer and to your designer. They can help you decide how many colors you can afford and how many are needed to accomplish your goals. Whatever your choice, with solid planning, you'll be able to make the most of what your budget can afford by using colors effectively.

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