(PMS) A system for identifying ink colors. Each color is identified by a number (for instance, PMS 485 is a bright red) and letter (usually U or C for uncoated and uoated) representing the kind or paper. When you request a particular PMS color from a swatch book, the printer can use a color which (should) match precisely. There are thousands of colors available in the Pantone Matching System, including specialty inks such as pastels and metallics.