Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
Do I need a physical Pantone swatch book?
Answer
Yes, if color accuracy matters. Monitors create color with light (RGB), which never matches how ink sits on paper, so on-screen color is only a rough preview. A printed swatch book is the dependable way to choose and approve a spot color.
- Screen vs print: RGB light and printed ink render color differently, and screens vary from one device to the next.
- Coated and uncoated pages: a proper book shows each color on both stocks, since the same ink shifts between them.
- Approval: selecting from a physical chip is the only reliable sign-off before a run.
For brand-critical work, treat the swatch book as the source of truth over any monitor.
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