Pantone P refers to an independent guide containing 3,000 CMYK colors, distinct from the standard Pantone Matching System (PMS).
Understanding Pantone P
Based on the reference provided, Pantone P is defined as a specific system or guide within the Pantone color framework. It is not a part of the more widely known Pantone Matching System (PMS), which is often associated with spot colors used in printing.
Key Characteristics of Pantone P
According to the information dated August 28, 2019, Pantone P has several distinct features:
- Independent Guide: It operates as its own standalone system for color selection and reproduction.
- CMYK Colors: The guide consists exclusively of colors specified using the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) four-color process model. This is crucial because CMYK is the standard method for reproducing a wide range of colors in printing using layered dots of these four inks.
- Extensive Range: The guide contains a substantial collection of 3,000 CMYK colors, offering designers and printers a broad palette for process printing.
- No Relationship to PMS: A defining characteristic is that Pantone P colors bear no relationship to the Pantone Matching System. This means you cannot equate a Pantone P color directly to a specific PMS spot color, nor should you expect them to match visually when printed using different methods (CMYK process vs. spot ink).
In essence, Pantone P serves as a dedicated tool for professionals working specifically with CMYK process printing, providing a large, defined set of achievable colors within that method, completely separate from the familiar PMS spot color system.
