Adobe requires a subscription if you want to use all Pantone colors in apps like Photoshop.

Adobe began deleting the Pantone Color Books, a set of swatches included in the color libraries in its programs. In July, the company already announced it would be phasing out color books (pre-loaded and standardized color libraries). in software updates released after August 16, 2022.

It’s true that although colors Pantone was not very important for photographers, on the contrary, it is still an important resource for graphic designers who, for example, use Photoshop. And that’s whatWhat makes Pantone special is that its colors are extremely specific.

Well, the change is because “Pantone’s license with Adobe” has changed, as we’ve seen online. From now on, designers must use the Pantone Connect plugin, a platform that allows access to Pantone colors if they wish to access them in photoshopillustrator and InDesign.

By $15 per month or $90 per year You will have access to all libraries. Unfortunately this doesn’t seem like a safe solution as there are people reporting problems.

Say goodbye to huge libraries of amazing Pantone colors.

However, Photoshop users are reporting that their old PSD files that used Pantone colors now display those colors as black. “This file contains Pantone colors that have been removed and replaced with black due to changes to Pantone’s license with Adobe.”appears in the message.

Other photoshop users, illustrator and InDesign reported that downloading the Pantone Connect extension does not guarantee a solution to the problem. “We have reached out to Pantone to clarify their position and will provide an update if they receive a response.”another user explains.

Fun times ahead for #Adobe designers. Today, if you open a PSD (even one that is 20 years old) with an obscure PANTONE color, it will remove the color and make it black. Pantone is asking $21/month for access, and Solid Coated will be turning off paywalls in early November. pic.twitter.com/BUxzViYFaQ

— Ian Anderson (@funwithstuff) October 28, 2022

After November 2022, only the following Pantone color charts will remain:

• Pantone + CMYK Coated
• Pantone + CMYK Uncoated
• Pantone + Metallic Coated

However, of course if you want the complete library, you need to download Pantone Connect via Adobe Exchange.

“Customers who rely on Pantone colors in their creative workflows must purchase a Pantone Connect license and access Pantone colors through the Pantone Connect plug-in on Adobe Exchange.” they explain.

As expected, Pantone tries very hard to protect their colors. Since they have become the industry standard for design, they strongly protect this intellectual property and prevent others from creating Pantone compatible color systems without obtaining a license.