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What Are Spot Colors?

Spot colors (also called solid colors) are premixed inks printed as separate plates, rather than created by combining CMYK inks.
Think of spot colors like paint from a can - the exact color is already mixed, versus CMYK which is like mixing paints to approximate a color.

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Spot Colors vs Process Colors (CMYK)

AspectSpot ColorCMYK (Process)
How createdPremixed inkMix of C, M, Y, K
Plates needed1 per color4 plates (C, M, Y, K)
Color accuracyExact matchApproximate
CostMore expensiveStandard
Best forLogos, brand colorsPhotos, full-color
Special colorsMetallics, fluorescentsNo

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Visual Comparison

CMYK Process:
C100 + M50 + Y0 + K0 = Blue (approximate)
┌─┬─┬─┬─┐
│C│M│Y│K│ → Layered dots = "Blue"
└─┴─┴─┴─┘

Spot Color:
Pantone 2925 C = Blue (exact premixed)
┌────────────┐
│ Blue Ink   │ → Solid blue = Exact match
└────────────┘

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Pantone Matching System (PMS)

Pantone is the industry standard for spot colors.

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Pantone Categories

  • Coated (C)
  • Uncoated (U)
  • Metallics
  • Fluorescents
For: Coated paper (glossy/matte finish)Characteristics:
  • More vibrant
  • Smoother appearance
  • Sharper details
Example: Pantone 185 C (Coca-Cola red on glossy brochure)

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When to Use Spot Colors

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✅ Use Spot Colors When:

Example: Company logo must be exact Pantone color across all materialsWhy: CMYK varies between print runs, Pantone is always consistentCommon users: Corporate brands, franchises
Example: Bright orange, vibrant green, neon colorsWhy: CMYK can’t reproduce these colors accuratelyResult: Spot color achieves the vibrant look you need
Example: Letterhead with logo in brand color + black textWhy: Cheaper than full CMYK (only 2 plates: Black + Pantone)Benefit: Cost savings while maintaining brand accuracy
Example: Gold foil business cards, fluorescent safety postersWhy: CMYK cannot create metallic shine or fluorescent glowOnly option: Use spot colors
Example: Company brochure with full-page brand color backgroundWhy: Spot color provides more consistent, solid coverageBetter than: CMYK which can show screening patterns

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❌ Don’t Use Spot Colors When:

  • Photographs and images (use CMYK)
  • Gradients with many colors (use CMYK)
  • Budget is very limited (spot colors cost more)
  • Color consistency isn’t critical
  • Printing at home or desktop printer (can’t handle spot colors)

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How Spot Colors Work in Printing

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Printing Plates

CMYK printing: 4 plates (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) Spot color printing: 4 plates + 1 per spot color Example: 
Brochure with photos + Pantone logo:
- Cyan plate
- Magenta plate
- Yellow plate
- Black plate
- Pantone 286 C plate
= 5 total plates
Cost implication: Each additional plate costs money in setup and printing. This is why spot colors are more expensive.

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Setting Up Spot Colors in Print for Figma

Note: Spot color support requires Pro subscription
1

Design Your File

Create your design in Figma using any RGB colors
2

Identify Spot Color Areas

Note which elements should be spot colors (usually logos)
3

Open Print for Figma

Select your frame and launch plugin
4

Go to Color Tab

Navigate to Color tab → Spot Colors section
5

Add Spot Color

  1. Click “Add Spot Color”
  2. Choose from Pantone library
  3. Or enter Pantone number (e.g., “185 C”)
6

Map to Design Color

Assign which RGB color in your design becomes this spot color:
  • Select RGB value from your design
  • Map it to chosen Pantone
  • Plugin will convert this color to spot plate
7

Set Density (Optional)

Adjust spot color density: 0-100%
  • 100% = Full strength (most common)
  • 50% = Half strength (tint)
8

Export

PDF will include separate spot color plate

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Spot Color Density

Density controls how much ink is applied:
DensityAppearanceUse Case
100%Full strengthLogos, solid areas
75%3/4 strengthStrong tint
50%Half strengthMedium tint
25%Light tintSubtle effect
10%Very lightBackground wash

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Example

Pantone 185 C (Coca-Cola Red):

100% ████████████ Full red
75%  ██████████░░ Strong red
50%  ████████░░░░ Medium pink
25%  ████░░░░░░░░ Light pink
10%  ██░░░░░░░░░░ Very pale pink
Common practice: Use 100% for logos and important elements. Use tints (lower density) for backgrounds or decorative elements.

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Finding the Right Pantone Color

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Method 1: Brand Guidelines

Best option: Check your brand guidelines Look for:
  • “Pantone 286 C”
  • “PMS 185”
  • “Pantone Solid Coated 021”

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Method 2: Physical Pantone Book

Most accurate: View actual printed swatches
  • Available at print shops
  • Buy your own: ~$100-200
  • Shows exact ink on paper
  • Essential for color-critical work

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Method 3: Online Tools

Convenient but approximate:
  • Pantone Color Finder (pantone.com)
  • Color conversion tools
  • Figma plugins
Screen colors are NOT accurate! Your monitor cannot show true Pantone colors. Always use a physical swatch book for critical decisions.

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Method 4: Closest CMYK Match

If you must approximate:
  1. Design in RGB/CMYK
  2. Order a proof print
  3. Compare to Pantone book
  4. Find closest match
  5. Specify that Pantone for future

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Common Pantone Colors

BrandPantoneDescription
Coca-Cola485 CClassic red
Tiffany & Co.1837 CRobin egg blue
UPS462 CBrown
FedExPurple C + Orange 021 CPurple + orange
Starbucks3425 CGreen

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Commonly Requested Colors

PantoneColorUse
Black CPure blackText, logos
Process Blue CBright blueTechnology, corporate
Red 032 CTrue redEnergy, passion
Green CGrass greenEco, health
Orange 021 CVibrant orangeCreativity, energy

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Converting CMYK to Pantone

Can you convert? Sometimes, but not always.

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When It Works

Some CMYK colors are close to Pantone:
  • Pure black (K100) ≈ Pantone Black C
  • Some reds, blues, greens have close matches

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When It Doesn’t Work

Many CMYK colors have no Pantone equivalent:
  • Subtle color blends
  • Tertiary colors
  • Most gradients

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Conversion Process

1

Start with Your Color

Note the CMYK values or HEX code
2

Use Conversion Tool

  • Pantone.com color tools
  • Adobe software (Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Professional color matching
3

Find Closest Match

Tool suggests nearest Pantone
4

Verify with Swatch

Critical: Compare printed swatch to your needs
5

Adjust if Needed

Choose different Pantone if match isn’t close enough

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Overprint with Spot Colors

Overprint = Ink prints on top of another color (doesn’t knock out)

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When to Use Overprint

  • Black text over spot color background
  • Spot color over CMYK image
  • Layering effects

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How to Set Overprint

In Print for Figma:
  1. Color tab → Overprint section
  2. Enable overprint for:
    • Fill (solid areas)
    • Stroke (lines)
  3. Choose which colors overprint
Be careful: Overprint affects final color appearance. Test with proof before production!

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Spot Color + CMYK Combination

Common approach: Spot color for logo + CMYK for photos

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Example: Corporate Brochure

Plates:
1. Cyan (CMYK)
2. Magenta (CMYK)
3. Yellow (CMYK)
4. Black (CMYK + text)
5. Pantone 286 C (Company logo blue)

Total: 5-color printing
Benefit: Photos print beautifully in CMYK, logo is exact brand color Cost: More than 4-color CMYK, less than multiple spot colors

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Cost Considerations

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Pricing Structure

SetupCost Impact
CMYK onlyStandard (baseline)
CMYK + 1 spot+15-30%
CMYK + 2 spots+30-50%
2 spot colors onlyOften cheaper than CMYK

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When Spot Colors Save Money

Two-color printing (Black + 1 Pantone):
  • Letterhead
  • Business cards
  • Simple brochures
  • Cheaper than 4-color CMYK
When to use: Minimal color needs, brand consistency important

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Troubleshooting Spot Colors

Causes:
  • Digital printer only (not offset)
  • Small local shop without capability
Solutions:
  • Find offset printer
  • Use CMYK approximation
  • Consider online specialty printers
Causes:
  • Wrong Pantone (C vs U)
  • Paper type mismatch
  • Printer mixed ink incorrectly
Solutions:
  • Verify correct Pantone specification
  • Match paper type to swatch
  • Request remake if printer error
Requires: Pro subscriptionIf you have Pro:
  • Verify color exists in design
  • Check color isn’t in image (must be vector/fill)
  • Contact support if bug

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Spot Color Checklist

Before sending spot color files:
  • Pantone specified correctly: Including C or U designation
  • Paper type matches: Coated vs uncoated
  • Printer confirms capability: Can handle spot colors
  • Density set appropriately: Usually 100% for logos
  • Overprint configured: If needed
  • Cost approved: Additional plates = higher cost
  • Physical swatch verified: Don’t rely on screen
  • PDF checked: Spot color plate included

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Alternatives to Spot Colors

If spot colors are too expensive or unavailable:

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Option 1: CMYK Approximation

Use CMYK values that approximate the Pantone:
  • Close, but not exact
  • Varies between print runs
  • Much cheaper

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Option 2: Digital Color Matching

Some digital printers offer:
  • Pantone-matched CMYK profiles
  • Better than standard CMYK
  • No extra plates needed

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Option 3: Design Adjustment

Modify design to use colors easily reproduced in CMYK:
  • Avoid ultra-vibrant colors
  • Use CMYK-friendly palette
  • Accept slight color variation

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Learn More

Color Management

Understanding color systems

Overprint Settings

Master overprint techniques

Color Accuracy

Achieve perfect color matching

Pantone Reference

Common Pantone values
Pro Tip: For brand-critical work, always use physical Pantone swatches. Screens lie, printed swatches don’t!