A: No. PMS (Pantone Matching System) refers to ink on paper (Coated/Uncoated). TCX refers to dye on cotton. They are not interchangeable. A converter is required to translate between them.
A is a critical, yet often overlooked, tool for creative professionals. By allowing for the accurate translation of cotton-swatch colors into digital or printable formats, it bridges the gap between design and manufacturing. Ensuring you have the right tools—and the physical guides to back them up—is key to achieving color consistency across the entire product development lifecycle. If you'd like, I can: Show you where to find free online TCX converters .
: Open Pantone Connect or a reputable online conversion tool and paste your Hex code into the "Color Finder" or "Convert" field. tcx pantone converter
Mara followed this measured approach. The teal that once looked flat on fabric was refined through a controlled conversion and a single dye tweak. The client approved the textile swatch, the lookbook matched closely enough for print, and the collection launched on time. The lesson: conversion is about communication, measurement, and physical proof—tools that bridge design intent and production reality.
Sending physical fabric swatches (Pantone Smart Swatches) across the globe to factories takes days and costs money. Converting TCX codes to digital values allows for instant initial communication with overseas manufacturers, streamlining the lab dip approval process. Key Color Spaces: What Are You Converting TCX Into? They are not interchangeable
Several third-party websites offer free lookup tables and conversion algorithms. Tools like , CodeBeautify , or MyPerfectColor allow you to paste a Hex code or PMS number to see an approximation of the nearest TCX shade. Note: Use free web converters as a starting reference only, as their algorithms may not account for textile metamerism (how color changes under different light sources). Step-by-Step: How to Convert a Hex Code to Pantone TCX
Output the data into a tech pack. For example: "Color as Pantone 15-0343 TCX (Sublime Green); Digital conversion for screen: Hex #007D3A ." By allowing for the accurate translation of cotton-swatch
Pantone Connect is the definitive digital platform offered directly by Pantone. Available as a mobile app, web application, and Adobe Creative Cloud extension (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).