Pre-Press Color Guide: Mastering CMYK and Pantone Spot Colors
"A pre-press checklist for clarifying colour references, output previews, file requirements and approval expectations."
An RGB display and CMYK output may use different colour models. Check colour suitability for the intended printing conditions; a screen view alone is not a definitive print approval.
Provide Your Brand Colour Reference
Share brand guidelines, colour codes and an approved printed sample where available. Paper and ink can affect appearance; a Pantone code does not guarantee identical appearance under every condition.
Review the File and Output Preview
Check page size, page order, wording and images. Agree colour profiles, bleed and file format with the team for the specific job. PDF preflight and output preview can support this review.
Define the Approval
Clarify whether approval covers layout, a physical sample or a particular colour expectation. Sampling and colour review options should be discussed for the individual order.
Technical references: Adobe Acrobat · Pantone