Because digital printing uses liquid and dry toners and not ink, there is a wider gamut of color available, and yet there are limitations in color matching. Most digital presses convert Pantone® colors to CMYK equivalents or allow for a conversion formula.

Design | Print

The goal of digital printing is “pleasing color.” A close-to-exact match is possible on the digital press, but an exact match is very difficult to achieve. Color-critical projects may be more appropriate for offset printing.

“I realize that with digital printing I don’t have the same ability to push and pull that I have with a four-color press. As a result, I usually look for a CMYK equivalent. If I’m trying to get a close color match, I’ll discuss it with the printer.”

Tip: If you are not satisfied with the press’ automatic color conversions to CMYK, convert them yourself with a Pantone-to-CMYK chart. If a project is high repeating, save the formula for future runs.