What are Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone Validated Certifications?

Pantone started as a printing company in the 1960s. They soon realized the graphic arts industry needed an effective color communication standard. So, they introduced the first Pantone Matching System in 1963 with 500 colors. PMS has evolved ever since with more colors for use in ever-varied media. Nowadays, Pantone Matching System includes more than 1,300 colors. They cover formats including paper, plastics, textiles, and electronic libraries. In 2007, X-Rite, a leading manufacturer of color measurement and management products, acquired Pantone.

The benefit of creating/obtaining Pantone Validated Certification links to PantoneLIVE. PantoneLIVE is a cloud-based digital version of the Pantone color library. The goal is for everyone in a creative color process to access the same color values for any job. The concept is great but presents challenges.

The first problem is finding a trustworthy display. This is where Pantone Validated Certification comes in. The certification tests the monitor’s ability to accurately reproduce Pantone colors. Only monitors that can reproduce a certain percentage of Pantone colors earn Pantone Validated. The test involves thousands of colors. This eliminates guesswork. So, when a designer needs a reliable display, they only need to check whether it is Pantone Validated. If so, they can be confident that the Pantone colors on the screen are accurate.

The second issue is choosing which BenQ display is best for you. DesignVue PD series or PhotoVue SW series both have Pantone Validated Certification. You could choose based on your budget. You might also consider whether you want to calibrate at a later stage. PD series monitors earn Pantone Validated Certification in factory preset mode. SW series monitors earn Pantone Validated Certification in factory preset and calibration modes. Both PD and SW monitors users can enjoy out-of-the-box Pantone color accuracy. SW series users have the added benefit of post-purchase calibration. They maintain accuracy using BenQ proprietary hardware calibration software, Palette Master Element.

BenQ, Calibrite, and Pantone worked to provide creatives a way to confirm a monitor’s Pantone Color rendering capability. BenQ is the first professional monitor brand awarded Pantone Validated Certification. BenQ has its selective DesignVue Designer PD series and PhotoVue Photographer SW series with Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone Validated. If you count on color accuracy, count on a display with Pantone Validated and Pantone SkinTone Validated.