FAQs

LRV values of the lightness of NCS colours can be found in the NCS Atlas. If you do not own an NCS Atlas the NCS Lightness Meter can help you to calculate the lightness value of a colour. Investing in an NCS Colourpin device enables quick identification of the closest NCS colour notation as well as giving information on the LRV lightness values along with translations to CMYK, RGB, and L*a*b*. The easiest way to find the LRV digitally is to check the NCS+ app they can also be found in the NCS Navigator Premium.

It is possible to find the CMYK and RGB codes for NCS colours. With the NCS+ App or NCS+ Web, you can get CMYK and RGB codes and LRV from all 2050 NCS standard notations. You can also get CMYK and RGB values with the NCS Colourpin device Please note that this doesn’t work the other way around and you can’t enter CMYK or RGB values and get the closest NCS notation. For this, please use the NCS colour translation service.

NCS colours can be used in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign software. You can download the NCS colors to ASE files that can be imported into Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. The full NCS colour range of 2050 colours, or your own selection of it, can be downloaded through NCS+ Premium, accessed via https://app.ncscolour.com/. The video found on NCS+ app will provide an overview of the functionality of the app and demonstrate how easy it is to use the web based option. The is also access to NCS via Adobe CS/CC plugin, which works with Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign.  

Colourpin II is the new version of Colourpin SE which was discontinued in 2023. There is no difference between the two models regarding functionality and technical specifications. Colourpin II is silver coloured and comes in a smaller packaging than Colourpin SE which was had a black finish to the outer casing. Colourpin II connects to the NCS Smartphone App using Bluetooth. Colourpin II is a cost effective device for all decorators, building contractors and designers to identify the closest NCS colour.

The Colourpin devices are easily powered on and off. Press the button on top of the device once to power on. The Colourpin device shuts off automatically after 20-30 seconds.

To scan the QR-code supplied with your NCS Colourpin device, first make sure to allow the Colourpin application access to the phone camera. Then point the camera towards the QR-code and it will load automatically. Lost your QR-code? Contact ncs@verivide.com

The QR-code comes together with the Colourpin II and is used to gain access to the library of all 2050 NCS standard colours in the app.

 

To connect the NCS+ App with your Colourpin device you will need to pair the device with your phone and establish a connection. Activate Bluetooth on your phone. Open the App and Log In. Either

1. Go to Scan function and select "I already have a Colourpin" then follow the instructions to pair your device.
2. Press ”Connect device” in the Colourpin app. Double click on the button on top of the device. This will make the device visible on your phone. Your device will appear on the screen. Click on the serial number to pair. When the message with the instruction to calibrate the device appears on the screen, make sure that the calibration lid is attached to the device and press "calibrate".

Tip: If you want to connect another device to the same phone you first have to un-pair the other device . To do this, go to the option "Connect device" or "Manage device" in the menu and click unpair.

The blue LED flashing light shows the device is ready to connect over Bluetooth to your smart device. It is a slow pulsing light. At this point, you will need to click the ”Connect Device” button in the app to complete the connection.

To save a colour in the Colourpin app:

• Press on a colour in the list of scanned colours which you would like to save
• If you have already created a folder, choose the alternative "Save to last folder" among listed alternatives on the colour display.
• To create a new folder, choose "Save to new folder" and give the new folder a name.
• Go to Saved Colours in the menu to find your colours.
• Folders can be shared with other app users.

The Colourpin battery will last over 5000 scans without needing a charge, however, it does depend on the amount of usage (number of times powered on). To fully charge, plug the Colourpin device into any micro USB cable for about 45 minutes.

The Colourpin battery level can be checked through the App. If you go to the ”Settings” menu in the ”Manage Device” section within the Colourpin app it will show the battery level as a percentage amount. You can also press on the battery symbol found in the left corner of the app.

To fully charge your Colourpin, plug the Colourpin device into any micro USB cable for about 45 minutes. It may be charged via a laptop or pc but for best results, plug the device into a wall outlet.