PMS (Pantone) is used for printed matter containing few colours, such as stationery.
Full colour (CMYK) is used for printed matter containing many colours. Photos, for example.
PMS:
- Each colour has a unique number with the correct specifications (Pantone Matching System);
- The colour result is always and everywhere the same;
- Suitable for printing some specific colours, such as house style printing;
- The colours are pre-mixed
CMYK:
- Made up of the colours: cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black);
- The colour result is less predictable than with PMS;
- The colours are mixed during printing.
For more explanation of terms, check the glossary.