PMS to HEX Converter - Pantone Color Tool
Convert Pantone PMS colors to HEX, RGB, and CMYK instantly. Free online Pantone color converter with visual preview.
Enter Pantone number or name (C = Coated, U = Uncoated)
Popular Pantone Colors
What is the Pantone Matching System (PMS)?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing. It was developed by Pantone LLC to provide a standardized method for identifying, matching, and communicating colors. Each Pantone color has a unique number, making it easy for designers, printers, and manufacturers worldwide to produce exactly the same color.
Pantone colors are created using specific ink formulations, which makes them more accurate than process color (CMYK) printing. This is particularly important for brand identity, where consistent color reproduction across all materials is critical.
Understanding PMS to HEX Conversion
Why Different Values?
Pantone colors are created with specific ink formulations, while HEX/RGB colors are created with light on screens. The conversion is an approximation that attempts to match how the Pantone color appears on a calibrated monitor. The actual printed Pantone color may look different from its HEX representation on screen.
Coated vs Uncoated
Pantone colors are available in different finishes: Coated (C), Uncoated (U), and Matte (M). The same Pantone number looks different on each paper type because of how the paper absorbs ink. Our converter uses Coated values as the standard, which are most commonly used for digital conversions.
Brand Consistency
When a brand specifies a Pantone color, it's crucial to use the converted HEX value for digital materials to maintain consistency. While not perfect, using standardized conversions ensures your brand colors look as similar as possible across print and digital media.
Limitations
Some Pantone colors (especially metallics, fluorescents, and neons) cannot be accurately represented in HEX. The RGB color gamut is smaller than what can be printed with special inks. These colors will have HEX approximations, but won't match the physical Pantone swatch exactly.
When to Convert Pantone to HEX
Website Design
Converting brand Pantone colors to HEX for use in website CSS, ensuring brand consistency across print and digital touchpoints.
Digital Marketing
Creating social media graphics, email templates, and digital ads that match your brand's official Pantone color specifications.
Brand Guidelines
Documenting both Pantone and HEX values in brand style guides to provide clear color specifications for different media types.
App Development
Converting Pantone brand colors to HEX/RGB for use in mobile app design and development, maintaining visual brand identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PMS (Pantone Matching System)?
PMS (Pantone Matching System) is a standardized color reproduction system. Pantone colors are numbered, making it easy to identify and match specific colors across different materials and printers. It's widely used in graphic design, fashion, and manufacturing for precise color communication.
Why convert Pantone PMS to HEX?
Converting PMS to HEX is necessary when translating print designs to digital/web formats. While Pantone colors are designed for physical printing, HEX codes are used for websites, apps, and digital displays. This conversion ensures brand consistency across both print and digital media.
Are PMS to HEX conversions exact?
PMS to HEX conversions are approximations because Pantone colors are designed for specific printing processes while HEX represents colors on digital screens (RGB color space). Some Pantone colors, especially fluorescent or metallic, cannot be exactly reproduced in HEX. The conversions provided are industry-standard approximations.
Can I convert any Pantone color?
Our tool includes the most commonly used Pantone colors from the Solid Coated series. While we cover hundreds of popular colors, specialty Pantone colors (metallics, fluorescents, pastels) may not be included. For these, consult official Pantone color bridge guides.
What's the difference between Pantone C, U, and M?
C (Coated) is for coated paper, U (Uncoated) is for uncoated paper, and M (Matte) is for matte paper. Each substrate absorbs ink differently, resulting in different color appearances. Our converter primarily uses Coated (C) values as they're most common in digital conversions.