Color, as an indispensable element in nature and human culture, constantly influences our visual perception and emotional experience. From the first ray of sunlight in the morning to the twinkling stars at night, from the dazzling diversity of nature to the splendid variety of human civilization, color is everywhere and plays a role at every moment. To better manage and apply color, color charts emerged. This article will delve into the types of color charts and their applications in various fields, revealing the infinite possibilities of the color world.

I. Overview of Color Charts

A color chart, also known as a color guide or color sample, is the embodiment of colors found in nature on a certain material. It is used for color selection, comparison, and communication, serving as a tool for unifying color standards within a certain range. It serves as a bridge between designers and products, as well as a classic tool for color management in fields such as printing, textiles, home furnishing, cosmetics, and more. Through color charts, designers and printing professionals can more accurately select and control colors, enhancing the professionalism and visual impact of their work.

II. Types of Color Charts

Color charts are numerous and varied. Based on different application fields and color characteristics, they can be divided into the following categories:

1. PANTONE Color Charts

PANTONE color charts are among the most frequently encountered by textile and printing professionals. The PANTONE color system is comprehensive, encompassing various types of color charts such as the C chart, CP chart, U chart, UP chart, and MC chart.

  • C Chart and U Chart: Both the C chart and U chart are used for spot color printing, directly utilizing specific colors. The C chart is suitable for glossy coated paper printing, while the U chart is suitable for matte offset paper printing.
  • CP Chart and UP Chart: The CP chart and UP chart simulate spot color effects through four-color printing, used for quickly comparing the proximity of spot colors to CMYK printing effects. The CP chart serves as a color bridge, similar to the C chart, while the UP chart is similar to the U chart.
  • MC Chart: The MC chart (Metallics Coated) is specifically for metallic color effects, commonly used in luxury packaging and high-end printed materials, offering a variety of metallic color options suitable for premium designs.

Additionally, PANTONE color charts include Pastels Neons, plastic color charts, TSX polyester color charts, TN nylon color charts, TCX charts, TPG charts, etc., catering to the color needs of different materials and fields.

2. Coloro Color Charts

The Coloro color chart is developed by the China National Textile Information Center and jointly launched with WGSN, the world’s largest trend forecasting company, featuring a revolutionary color application system. Each color is encoded with a seven-digit number and presented within a 3D model color system. Each code represents a point, the intersection of hue, value, and chroma. With its scientific color classification and naming system, the Coloro color chart provides designers with a more precise and convenient tool for color selection.

3. DIC Color Charts

DIC color charts originate from Japan and are specifically used in industrial graphic design, packaging, paper printing, architectural coatings, inks, textiles, printing and dyeing, design, and more. DIC color charts are widely applied in multiple fields due to their rich color selection and precise color reproduction capabilities.

4. NCS Color Charts

The NCS color chart research began in 1611 and has now become the national inspection standard in countries such as Sweden, Norway, Spain, and is the most widely used color system in Europe. It describes colors in the way the eye sees them, defining surface colors in the NCS color chart and providing a color code for each. With its scientific color theory and accurate color reproduction capabilities, NCS color charts are widely used in industries, graphic design, packaging, paper printing, architectural coatings, inks, textiles, printing and dyeing, and other fields.

5. RAL Color Charts

RAL color charts are a German brand, translated into Chinese as the RAL color chart, also known as the European standard color chart. In 1927, RAL ventured into the color industry, creating a unified language to establish standards, statistics, and names for a rich variety of colors. These standards are widely understood and applied worldwide. RAL color charts use a four-digit code, offering over 200 color options suitable for the color needs of multiple fields.

6. Munsell Color Charts

The Munsell color chart was founded by American color scientist Albert Munsell and is renowned for its scientific color classification and naming system. The Munsell color chart describes colors in terms of hue, value, and chroma, providing precise color location and selection tools. The Munsell color chart is widely used in color science, color education, color reproduction, and other fields.

7. YKK Color Charts

The YKK color chart is a dedicated color chart for YKK zippers and YKK products, totaling six pages with 582 colors recorded, with each color position averaging 100 colors per page. The YKK color chart offers a wide range of color options and precise color reproduction capabilities, providing strong support for the design and production of zippers and YKK products.

8. DyStar Special Colours Color Charts

DyStar Special Colours color charts offer 2,300 different SCT DIC colors, with each color patch measuring 1.5×4 cm. Each color patch has self-adhesive backing, allowing for easy removal and reattachment after color comparison. The DyStar Special Colours color chart is widely used in fashion design, textile printing and dyeing, color proofing, color verification, and import and export textile trade, among other fields, due to its extensive color selection and convenient color comparison method.

III. Applications of Color Charts

Color charts are widely used in multiple fields. Here are a few key application areas:

1. Printing Industry

In the printing industry, color charts are important tools for communication between designers and printing professionals. Through color charts, designers can accurately select the desired colors and communicate them to printing factories for physical production. Printing factories can then accurately replicate the colors based on the color information on the color chart, ensuring that the final product’s colors match the designer’s intentions.

2. Textile Industry

In the textile industry, color charts are crucial for textile design and production. Designers can select suitable color combinations and color schemes through color charts, adding unique charm and beauty to textiles. At the same time, color charts help textile manufacturers accurately control color quality, ensuring consistency between different batches.

3. Home Furnishing Industry

In the home furnishing industry, color charts serve as an important bridge for communication between designers and consumers. Designers can provide consumers with multiple color options through color charts and create personalized designs based on consumers’ preferences and needs. Consumers can intuitively understand the effects of different color combinations through color charts, thereby choosing the most suitable color scheme for their homes.

4. Cosmetics Industry

In the cosmetics industry, color charts are essential for product development and production. Cosmetics companies can select suitable color combinations and color schemes through color charts, adding unique visual effects and appeal to their products. At the same time, color charts help cosmetics companies accurately control product color quality, ensuring consistency between different batches.

IV. Levels and Selection of Color Charts

Color charts are typically divided into different levels such as first-tier, second-tier, and third-tier, representing different color standards and qualities. First-tier color charts are carefully selected and formulated by professional designers and manufacturers, featuring vibrant, stable, and highly accurate colors, representing the pinnacle of color quality. The color matching of first-tier color charts is precise, suitable for high-end design and brand image creation. Second-tier color charts achieve a balance between color quality and cost, with slightly lower color saturation and accuracy than first-tier color charts, but still offering high reliability and practicality. Second-tier color charts are suitable for most design projects and application scenarios, offering a cost-effective choice. Third-tier color charts are usually the most widely available color standards on the market, with color accuracy and stability potentially inferior to first- and second-tier color charts, but offer advantages in cost. Third-tier color charts are suitable for projects with less stringent color requirements, providing an economical choice.

When selecting color charts, it is necessary to consider the requirements and budget of the specific project. If pursuing the highest quality and precision for a design project, first-tier color charts can be chosen. If cost sensitivity is a concern, second- or third-tier color charts can be considered. At the same time, factors such as the application field and material compatibility of the color chart should also be considered to ensure that the final selected color chart meets the project’s needs.