Pretty much everyone is familiar with the Pantone swatch / tint book which shows the CMYK, RGB and HTML values used to reproduce each swatch color, or tint, as accurately as possible in standard print and onscreen applications. The problem is that production inkjet is not really a “standard” print application. The ratio of CMY and K recommended to most closely represent a particular spot color will look different depending on the inkjet device, ink and paper being used. Sometimes very different. Many new and experienced designers still struggle with how to properly handle color output to production inkjet devices and print buyers may have no understanding of these issues. So, you need a tool to allow them to see exactly what each target CMYK combination looks like on their selected paper. Then they can compare that Pantone Swatch book to your samples, choose the tint square on the sample that is the best match to their target color and enter CMYK values from the tint book into their design program to ensure accurate color. You could design a sample document with pages and pages of little squares representing all of those CMYK percentage combinations, or you could just download the FREE Inkjet Insight Tint Book and instructions for use. Print the tint book on each of the papers you have qualified for your device. For best results:

• Print in simplex mode using the custom ICC or device link profile created for each specific paper.
• Use press settings for resolution, speed, tension, dryer temperature and air flow used in production.
• Label each one with the paper name for reference

Have samples available for customers and also provide copies for your sales people so that they can help educate customers on how the "same" colors can look on different papers. A little education is the best way to help your business grow. Stay tuned for more tools.

Download Free Tint Book

Download Instructions for Use

  We hope you enjoy the free tools we provide for our (free) registered members. But, there's a lot more good stuff available... Become a premium member on and get access to even more great tools like the customizable  Process Color Guide. Designed as a fan book, the guide can be printed on each of your approved inkjet papers and supplied to customers as appropriate for their design project. The file is an editable PDF which can be opened in Adobe. Insert your logo as well as the machine, color profile, paper, ink information specific to your inkjet process.