Have you recently upgraded to CS6? I have noticed with Pantone updating to their PMS+, some of the screen-views and PDF views for the spots are no longer consistent with prior versions. If printed with the spot-ink, the final production should be the same, but if your are going the digital printing route (where everything is done as CMYK or RGB) then you may have to have your press operators give some more detail to make sure the colors are matching properly.

Just to get more info: what color mode are your documents in? What settings are you using to write out your PDF's?

I am trying to get my hands around this new LAB representation and how they affect screen view.  It appears as though there has been a major setback in color communications.  It also demands a full explanation and correct workarounds from Pantone.

Hello Chuck,

Pantone Plus Series uses Lab color definition in order to make better simulation (on screen) and better CMYK conversions based on the Color Settings preferences in Adobe graphic applications.

When I say "better CMYK conversion", I mean CMYK separation based on the intended printing condition defined by the CMYK ICC working color space set in your preferences.

It is working.. I use it every day.

Worst issue:, if you do tests with Pantone Plus Color Bridge default CMYK values, you will be amazed to see the difference!

Just try Pantone 424 Coated (a gray), and check the CMYK values from Pantone Color Bridge Coated.... completely different! WHY? Because those CMYK values has been define by Pantone, using an "international" ISO printing condition!!??

I’ve tried to find out the ICC profile that could match those CMYK values but did not found it yet.

So, it is better to make your own CMYK match, using those new Pantone Plus color libraries (in Lab) than using a "generic" CMYK build that would create a nightmare on press if even it is not made for your printing condition.

Hop this help!

Hello Chuck,

In order to get the best Pantone "solid" preview in Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, you have to select "Overprint Preview" from the view menu. This, tells Illustrator and InDesign to display Pantone colors with their Lab reference. If "Overprint preview" in not enabled, this tells Illustrator and InDesign to use the CMYK conversion of the Pantone colors.

In Resumé, if no overprint preview selected, Illustrator will use the Lab value, pass it to the CMYK working space (profile selected in the color settings) and will use the default rendering intent of the color settings preferences. So what you are seeing on screen is not the real Pantone but the CMYK conversion of it.

So, when you want to see the best simulation of Pantone colors, use OVERPRINT PREVIEW. Be carfull that not all Pantone color can be simulated accurately on screen.

Let me know if this help!

Louis