Spot color libraries

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn about the spot color libraries supported in the Adobe Photoshop, including ANPA, DIC, Focoltone, HKS, and Trumatch.

The Color Picker supports several spot color libraries used in professional printing. These libraries provide consistent, reliable colors across different regions and print processes. Use them to match colors accurately when preparing artwork for print.

ANPA-COLOR

Mainly used in newspapers. Based on the ANPA-COLOR ROP Newspaper Color Ink Book, which provides standard newspaper colors for consistent reproduction.

DIC Color Guide

Common in Japanese printing. Developed by Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc. Widely used in Japanese publishing and print projects.

Focoltone

Includes 763 CMYK colors. Designed to reduce prepress trapping and registration problems by showing the overprints that make up each color. Swatch books, overprint charts, and chip books are available.

HKS

Used for printing projects in Europe. Each color has a defined CMYK equivalent. Variants include:

  • HKS E for continuous stationery
  • HKS K for gloss art paper
  • HKS N for natural paper
  • HKS Z for newsprint

Trumatch

Provides more than 2,000 predictable CMYK colors. Covers the visible CMYK gamut in even steps and includes tints, shades, and four-color grays for precise color matching.