I am just learning the technicalities of print swatches.
I have been given an RGB value of 249 105 21
This supposedly matches with Pantone 151 / HKS 7
There is no specification as to which Pantone library to use.
I realize that the colors will be different when printed dependent on how the ink is absorbed.
My question is, when selecting the Pantone spot colors should they match exactly with the RGB spot color on screen? Mine don’t and it’s a little off putting when trying to nail the design and provide on screen previews.
Just for reference if you are using Photoshop you can get it to provide a RGB conversion of a Pantone colour library by doing the following:
In the swatches palette use the drop down options box to select Swatches>Pantone Solid Uncoated (as an example). Select your pantone swatch and check that the foreground colour has changed in the tools palette.
Switch to the Colour Palette and use the drop down options box to switch to RGB mode. The numbers displayed should update to the closest RGB match for the Pantone you previously selected.
Spot colors viewed on-screen won’t match their RGB counterparts. It’s just how it is. You can’t rely on a screen value to give you any kind of indication of what the printed value will be. You can do software-based conversions as jasper suggested, but ultimately the best way to match an on-screen RGB color to a suitable Pantone match is by eye-balling it with a swatch book. Grab a Pantone book and find the most suitable printed color to match what you’re looking at on-screen in RGB.
You don’t need a bunch of books. You can pick up the basic coated and uncoated swatch books on eBay for around $80. Or if you don’t plan to use them enough to justify the purchase, find a designer friend who can lend a book to you.
Keep in mind that the above suggestion needs to be done on a calibrated monitor. Pantone and printed colours are made to reproducible across different printing machinery etc. RGB monitors unless calibrated are wildcards and there is no guarantee that your on-screen match will look the same on your workmates computer down the hall.