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“WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT ON MY SCREEN?”

“WHY DOES IT LOOK DIFFERENT ON MY SCREEN?”

A client might ask for a specific Pantone color from their Pantone swatch book. The designer sets the file exactly as is required, yet when the client sees an example on their computer monitor they are disappointed that the color isn’t the same. Why is that?

Brightness, contrast, color settings… all monitors have them. Unless two monitors are calibrated to the exact same settings using hi-fidelity calibrators, the colors will always appear different. The best way to color-match is using printed color proofs (match print), and even then, your choice of paper can critically affect the color of your printed product.

Your designer should have a color calibrated monitor which is much closer to the final printed piece than your office computer monitor.