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Pantone Color Guide: Understanding Pantone C/U, TPX, TPG, TCX and RGB Conversion
Pantone is the global standard for color matching in packaging, printing, textiles, and branding. Each Pantone color has a unique code that ensures consistent color reproduction across different materials and devices.
In this article, you’ll learn about the most commonly used Pantone systems (C/U, TPX, TPG, TCX), how to interpret Pantone color codes, and how to convert RGB values into Pantone for print production.
Pantone offers several color systems designed for different uses:
Pantone C/U: For coated and uncoated paper printing.
TPX, TPG, TCX: For textiles, fashion, and home furnishings.
CMYK & Metallic Guides: For special printing techniques.
System | Material | Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
C | Coated paper | Glossy print materials | More vibrant appearance |
U | Uncoated paper | Matte print materials | Softer, more natural look |
TPX | Paper (retired) | Fabric color referencing | Replaced by TPG |
TPG | Eco-friendly paper | Fashion, home, soft goods | Contains 2,625 colors |
TCX | Cotton fabric | Apparel, textiles | Premium color swatches |
Each Pantone color has a specific format depending on the system:
Pantone 105C or 105U → For print on coated/uncoated paper
Pantone 11-1013TPG or TCX → For textile and home goods
The suffix is key:
C = Coated paper
U = Uncoated paper
TPG = Textile Paper “Green” (eco-friendly)
TCX = Textile Cotton eXtended (cotton swatch)
If you're designing in RGB (used on screens), and plan to print your design, you’ll need to convert those RGB values to Pantone colors for consistent physical results.
Why is RGB not enough?
RGB is additive color (light-based), while Pantone is pigment-based. This means colors can look great on screen but appear dull or inaccurate in print if not matched properly.
To bridge the gap, we’ve created a full guide:
📘 How to Convert RGB to Pantone Colors for Printing
In that article, you’ll learn:
✅ Easy ways to convert RGB to Pantone using Adobe Illustrator or online tools
✅ Why RGB values don’t always have a perfect Pantone match
✅ What to check after conversion (like lighting conditions, material surface, and ink absorption)
This step is crucial for anyone working in digital design, branding, or packaging production.
Pantone’s textile systems are essential for color consistency in fabrics:
TPX: Discontinued version
TPG: Updated with safer pigments, eco-friendly
TCX: Cotton-based swatch, preferred in garment manufacturing
Each of these guides contains the same range of colors (2,625), but the substrate (paper vs. fabric) determines how the color appears.
If you're choosing packaging or print colors to match a fabric item, always compare TPG/TCX samples to C/U swatches under the same lighting for best results.
Your final product determines the best Pantone guide:
Project Type | Recommended Pantone System |
|---|---|
Print (flyers, boxes) | Pantone C/U |
Apparel | Pantone TCX |
Fashion & Home | Pantone TPG |
Digital Design to Print | Convert RGB to Pantone |
Still unsure? Start by identifying the final material, then choose the Pantone system that aligns with it.
Material finish affects color perception:
Coated paper makes colors appear brighter
Uncoated paper softens the color tone
Cotton fabric absorbs pigment differently than paper
Packaging substrates like kraft paper may affect final output
That’s why it’s not just about the color code—it’s also about the print surface. Always test and adjust accordingly.
Pantone systems bring visual consistency across media, from screens to fabric to print. Whether you're converting RGB designs, matching textile shades, or printing high-end packaging, understanding Pantone C/U, TPX, TPG, and TCX is essential.
If you're working in packaging and not sure which Pantone color system fits your project—or how to convert your designs to print—we’re here to help.
📦 Dulink Pack specializes in custom printing, packaging, and expert color matching services using both CMYK and Pantone standards. Reach out to get color-consistent, brand-aligned packaging.
