colour definition

[burndog]

This is likely an easy one for someone to answer, but I can't figure it out.

You are supplied with an eps logo. You open it in Illustrator...now how can one find out the PMS colour used (or at least the closest equivalent)? It's easy in PS, but I can't find an easy way in Illustrator.

[Dave]

It's something to do with the color swatches and not using the default CMYK colors .... errrr I dunno! :)

[burndog]

Love that signature Dave... I dunno either...thanks :)

[Dave]

The Av? It's one of Maiden's PS masterpieces. Several of us have the little bunny in our sig lines :)

I tried a Google search for you but I know diddly about Illustrator.

[Scott]

Bernie,

Window > Color (to bring up the color palette if it's not already open)

Then click an object that's colored with the spot color. The color palette should tell you what color it is, provided the creator of the file used standard spot color definitions.

It is possible in Illustrator to designate any color as a spot color so it's not a 100% method, but anyone who knows printing and spot color should have used a spot color book/swatches when creating the file.

Alternatively - Window > Info (to bring up the info palette)

Click an object filled with the color.
With the Info Palette's flyout menu choose "Show Options" the color should be indicated there too.

It's possible to also use the Swatches Palette, provided the creator used a standard spot color definition. When you click an object filled with the color, the swatch it's using should highlight in the Swatches Palette. Hover your mouse over the color in the palette for a couple seconds and a pop up should show the color name. Or click the flyout menu on the Swatches Palette and choose "List View" to show the names of the swatches.

[burndog]

Thanks so much Scott, I guess the problem I am having is that the eps files that I am usually given do not have the actual spot colours (maybe they were saved in really old software originally???)

I know how to tell if they use spot colours, but I was hoping to find an easy way if they didnt, but have only used process colours.

What I usually do is record the CMYK %s in Illustrator and then load them into the colour picker in PShop and then click the color libraries button in that dialogue box and the corresponding PMS colour is there. I was kind of hoping there was a shorter way of doing that without having to go to PShop. I know this is not a great way to do it and that it is not really accurrate, as I find that the PMS colour in Illustrator (that PShop has told me from the CMYK values) is usually off slightly...I am guessing because pshop is only finding me the closest match. (there are only so PMS colours) and of course also there are more than just one CMYK combination to give the same final colour.

I guess if that is the artwork that people supply, and if they do not know the true PMS colours then close is as best as they can expect....Thanks Scott!

[Scott]

Yup, it all comes down to who is building the file. If they don't do it properly you're doing the best you can do. The only other way would be by eye with a Pantone swatch book.