Logo Colors

I agree, let me try to help...

1.I want to know what do i have to do to get the cmyk values for the logo when sending for print?

Do I convert the document color mode?

- Yes or create a new CMYK document and name the file "logo_CMYK.ai" or Open your RGB file and rename it accordingly, then change the color mode to CMYK.  Keep the RGB file for RGB apps ( Word ).

2. Do u recommend Pantone and why? How do i get equivalent colors (rgb and cmyk) from the Pantone?

- Yes.  The reason why is ( as already mentioned ) "consistency".  Stationery is often reprinted, especially business cards. You do not want the color(s) to deviate from press-to-press.  The printer is going to use a formula to mix ( if it is not already mixed ) the "solid" color.  Each printer will either have that spot color inventoried or they will mix their own based on a Pantone ( or ink manufacturer ) formula.  Obviously in certain circumstances you are forced to use a CMYK formula which is always based on the original Pantone spot color.  Pantone's Color Manager, I believe, has the RGB and CMYK equivalents for their Pantone spot colors.  There are several "Yellows" in Pantone's solid color guide.  I recommend you make your color choices by viewing the Pantone reference guides ( printed ) and not on your monitor.  As already suggested, it is wise to consult the print vendor before you build your file.  Each print vendor is different and may or may not have their own requirements.  I suggest you get your hands on Adobe's Print Publishing Guide.  There are many variables you must understand thoroughly.  Certain grand format inkjet printers will require RGB files, while a majority of offset printers will require CMYK or Spot color files ( depending on what it is you are printing ).

You are kind of working backwards since RBG is not good for offset printing. I think you should have started with Pantone, than convert to CMYK and RBG  FROM THE SWATCHES PANEL. I like to make my Pantone tiles that go with the logo, and make the tiles for RBG and CYMK right there and than. and now i use that is my guide going forward.

Hi, if you are designing a logo you can decide using CMYK or Pantone colors.

I recommend that if your logo has only 2 solid colors you should select pantone colors.

Pantone colors ensure much more consistency than CMYK color space during printing.

your logo will be sent a lot of times to a lot of people in time. so if you chose CMYK colors for your logo that it will be change every time because of different suppliers.

1. When you send for print (to a print shop or publisher) you MUST DO WHAT THE PUBLISHER SAYS. Do not guess. CMYK is not generic, but must be set up for each press; converting with default settings can be much worse than useless. Also many print shops prefer a properly tagged RGB.

2. Pantone (in this connection) are two things

(a) a way of choosing colours from a book or palette. That's fine if you want to work that way.

(b) a naming system for spot colours (special inks). DO NOT USE SPOT COLOURS unless the printer or publisher tells you to, and you agree to pay for the special inks.

In all cases work with the printer/publisher. This is the most common kind of beginner question: the assumption is that there is a standard way and it avoids having to talk to the printer/publisher. But this is wrong. It can also be hard to get useful info from the printer/publisher; this is one of the challenges pros face.