Pantone Formula Guide GP1601C – Coated & Uncoated PMS Color Guide

The Pantone Formula Guide GP1601C is a professional color reference tool for designers, printers, graphic artists, packaging professionals, brand managers and print production teams who need accurate, consistent Pantone Matching System (PMS) color communication.

The Formula Guide provides physical Pantone color swatches on both coated and uncoated paper stocks, allowing you to evaluate how colors appear on different print surfaces. Pantone explains that the same color can look significantly different on coated versus uncoated stock because ink absorption affects the final appearance.

Use the Pantone Formula Guide to select, specify, communicate and match spot colors throughout the design and printing process. The guide also provides Pantone ink-mixing formulas, expressed as percentages, to help printers reproduce selected colors accurately.

Ideal For

• Graphic designers and creative professionals

• Commercial printers and print production teams

• Packaging designers and manufacturers

• Branding and corporate identity projects

• Advertising and marketing agencies

• Sign and display companies

• Product designers and manufacturers

• Prepress and color management professionals

Coated & Uncoated Color Reference

The C (Coated) and U (Uncoated) references are designed to show how Pantone colors appear when printed on different paper surfaces. Coated paper absorbs less ink, while uncoated paper allows greater ink absorption, resulting in different visual color appearances.

Why Use a Physical Pantone Guide?

Monitor displays and digital color values are not a substitute for evaluating a physical color standard. A physical Pantone guide allows designers, printers and clients to reference the actual printed appearance of a color when making production decisions.