Compare 17 Pantone black and near-black references. The named Black series appears first in catalog order, followed by other very dark shades that this site groups as near-black. The swatches let you compare subtle differences beside their complete names and HEX references. This page is a browsing aid for choosing a direction; a Pantone Black reference, a screen HEX and a production CMYK black recipe should not be treated as interchangeable specifications.
Compare these references, then browse every shade below.
Tap a swatch to copy HEX
Record whether the design calls for a named Pantone black reference or a process-print black. Do not translate a copied HEX into an assumed production recipe. Ask the printer which specification suits the artwork and the selected process, then document the answer in the production file. This page compares named references; it does not prescribe ink percentages or a universal rich-black formula.
Include both a large black area and the smallest text or line work in your proof request. Ask the printer to review those elements together, because the same production choice may not suit every part of the artwork. Check any reversed-out lettering in the proof at its final size. Keep the accepted output as the reference for subsequent runs of the job.
For digital work, compare the near-black candidate against the page background, cards and dividers rather than against white alone. Check text contrast and focus indicators in the complete interface. If two dark surfaces merge, use a clearer lightness step or border. Keep the HEX palette for the digital product separate from the physical references approved for packaging, stationery or other printed materials.
Editorial color groupings, not official Pantone categories.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone LLC. Pantone® is a registered trademark of Pantone LLC. The color values provided here are for reference purposes only and may not be 100% accurate representations of official Pantone colors.