# Spot colour

> A spot colour is a named colour separation handled independently from process colour channels in a print file.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/spot-color
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Artwork

## What it means in packaging

It can represent a dedicated ink or a production instruction such as a cut contour or varnish area. Its name and separation behaviour matter to the receiving workflow. The screen swatch only previews it and does not establish the physical result.

## A practical example

A dedicated cut separation can show a bright outline on screen while remaining separate from the printed package artwork.

## What to check

Agree exact separation names and inspect them in the printer’s preflight workflow.

## Use it in your project

- [Print checks and production exports](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/print-checks-and-exports)
- [Choose board, caliper and finishes](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/materials-and-finishes)

## Related terms

- [Overprint](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/overprint) — Overprint is a print instruction to retain underlying colour when another object is printed over it.
- [Cut line](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/cut-line) — A cut line indicates a path where material is intended to be cut through, such as a package outline or window.
- [PDF](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/pdf) — PDF is a document format used to exchange fixed-layout pages containing artwork, text and production information.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)