FAQs

DigiView works by imaging the samples and the colour standard and then transmitting the image to a remote viewing station for colour assessment. Lab Dips, Print strike offs or batches are first imaged using a DigiEye imaging Cube alongside the chosen colour standard. Colour calibrated images are sent to viewing stations anywhere in the world. Operators open the image and assess the accuracy of the sample against the standard on a calibrated monitor. Current customers report that for almost every measurement on screen, they make the same decision as they do with physical product in a light booth. This confidence in DigiView software means that brands are saving thousands in shipping samples and batches and are far more agile in getting a product to market. DigiEye can shorten the time to market for traditional textile manufacturers by at least 15 days. DigiView was designed to save textile companies and manufacturers’ time and money. For our larger clients, DigiEye is cost neutral after three months. For smaller clients, DigiView is cost neutral after 9-12 months.

A Pantone Formula Guide could be used to match fabrics, however we don't recommend it as the book is not designed for this purpose. Dyers, fabric suppliers and mills find it much more difficult to produce a good colour match to this Pantone book compared to the fabric books. The Formula Guide coated version is particularly a problem because of the shiny appearance of the paper. Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors range of colours have been specifically developed for textiles because they are achievable on fabric. Whereas the Formula Guide coated is for Graphic Designers to use for logo colours and printing on clear film and white paper. Many of the colours in the Formula Guide are too saturated (bright) to be achievable on fabric. The Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors range contains colours more suitable for clothing and home textiles. Consequently we advise that for fabrics you select colours from the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors books. Send your suppliers the individual fabric SMART swatches for them to use as a colour standard. There is one exception to this advice, most licenced artwork colours are specified by Pantone PMS numbers. Therefore printed licensed artwork can be matched to a Formula Guide.

It is recommended to replace your Pantone books at least every 12-18 months. However this does depend on how you store and use them! Store Pantone books away from light and dust and handle with clean hands to keep them in great condition for as long as possible. Frequent use of Pantone books will cause deterioration. We recommend replacing sooner if you leave books open on your desk or at the end of the press. Likewise, if you regularly travel to client meetings with the paper fan guides or smaller books like the Cotton Passport, these will need replacing more regularly than a master library copy stored in a locked cupboard at the studio. Even when well looked after, replace your Pantone books regularly to take advantage of additions of new colours added or updates in ink recipe formulations. Most Pantone books are Guides to the colour, also consider using the same edition as your manufacturing site or your client. This will ensure everyone is looking at the same colour. Some of the reasons for damage to the books can be found below - not to mention spilling your coffee or accidentally marking with a biro!

• Handling = smearing and removing pigment from natural oils on fingertips.
• Pages rubbing together = scratching or removing pigment.
• Light exposure = fading.
• Paper aging = yellowing effects.
• Ambient moisture = accelerated paper aging.
• Natural pigment expiration = faster, noticeable colour variation, especially in lighter and pastel colours.

Translate an NCS colour to RAL quickly and easily by measuring the NCS colour sample using the RAL Color Reader. This will measure any sample target and give the closest RAL number. An alternative method is a visual check of the NCS colours in the NCS Index against one of the RAL books. The RAL Design system is likely to have the closest match as both systems colours are based similar principles. It is unlikely a match would be found in the RAL Classic range which only has 216 options. Classic colours are more vibrant than Design colours. Or you can Order a Colour conversion from NCS Colour in Sweden (they will check visually)  https://ncscolour.com/product/colour-translation-notation-to-notation/.

Training Courses are held in the customer suite at VeriVide’s office near Leicester. This is easily accessible from most locations in the UK. We can also run training courses at the client’s UK premises and will bring or ship the essential materials. The advantage to visiting VeriVide is that we have a large showroom with several light booths available as well as other equipment to use in the practical exercises and demonstrations.

Each colour training course usually takes a full day to complete and typically runs between 9,30am and 4.30pm.

VeriVide training courses are for people in any industry which produces coloured products. Training provides knowledge of accurate colour assessment and colour descriptors to communicate decision clearly to manufacturers. Training aims to help you improve quality, competitiveness, or supply chain efficiency. The courses are typically attended by designers, buyers, manufacturers, and product developers.

Yes, there is a relaxed atmosphere at all VeriVide training courses. The course duration is at your own pace, and we welcome questions during training. We will also make available some contact details so you can ask follow up questions after the course.

We recommend a minimum number of 4 participants for colour training. We can train smaller numbers, however, participants gain greater benefit from working with a group. This course is interactive and sharing of experience is valuable. The minimum number recommended also gives you best value for training as a minimum fee is charged. If only one or two people need training, we suggest you get together with your suppliers, customers or industry friends. The knowledge gained while collaborating with others on the practical exercises will be valuable as well as the fee being more cost effective for you.

The maximum number of participants for colour training will depend upon the venue. At VeriVide we can comfortably accommodate 10-12 people. However, at your office the room may not be large enough for this number plus the required equipment. Training is interactive and requires people to use the VeriVide Light Booths, therefore if only one light booth it restricts the number of people. Colour training does not follow a lecture format and is not suitable for large groups. We are happy to discuss providing talks to education groups, contact enquiries@verivide.com     

Yes. Our training course material is available to all attendees. Each attendee takes away a pack of course notes and relevant datasheets to remind them of the day. Additionally, the notes on colour terminology can be referred to next time they assess colour.

It is not essential to bring samples to training. However, it is useful to have relevant samples to discuss. We have a limited number of practise samples, predominantly textile related, but we encourage people to bring their own specific examples to training. These examples can be current products which they need advice about or older examples already in the public domain. Samples (lab dips, prototypes etc) and the relevant colour standard are used for the colour matching practise. These can be commercial colour matches or items which have been a struggle to achieve. We supply refreshments so no need to bring your lunch!