In Spot Color Separation, each color in the artwork is separated and placed in its own printing layer, which is then printed separately using individual screens for each color. These colors are normally Pantone or custom inks, which are then used to print accurate color reproduction by the printer. Spot Color Separation is normally used for branding objects, corporate logos, line artwork, cartoons, and other simple multi-color artwork designs. The artwork is normally created using vector graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, which enables accurate color reproduction. Spot colors are normally printed as solid colors or converted to halftones for use in creating shades and tone for artwork reproduction with sharp edges and accurate color reproduction.
Spot Color printing is best used when the design has fewer colors and the shapes are clearly defined. It is not recommended when the design is too intricate, such as photographs, and the artwork has complex gradients. Adjustments such as underbasing, trapping, choking, and spreading may be required when preparing the artwork.
Vector Graphics Software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and other Graphic Design Software.
