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Spot Colors in Imported Graphics and Page Layout Software

Colors

Spot Colors in Imported Graphics and Page Layout Software

Last updated on 07 Nov, 2025

If you are using spot colors in your imported graphics, it is essential that you define the same color in your page layout files. Keep in mind that your drawing software may name a color somewhat differently than your page layout software. Therefore, it is necessary to change the name in one file so that it matches the other exactly. If you fail to do this, each color will separate to an individual plate. For example, Pantone 200 CVC and Pantone 200 CVU are two different colors, so they will create two separations. Some page layout applications automatically add the correct spot color to the color palette when you import your graphic. If this happens, remember that even though the correct color was added for you, its name might be wrong.

The same rule applies to image editing applications if you are using spot colors to create monotones, duotones, tritones, or quadtones.

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