A gold image cannot be created using only 1 color.

On a digital display, no single-color can accurately represent gold or other shiny metals; there is no “gold” color. Gold-looking color is achieved by a blend of different color pixels ranging from black, brown, yellow, white, and many others in between. Gold graphics can be printed using the full color spectrum (a variety of colors) or using metallic inks. If using only one ink color that is not metallic, the color will not look like gold.

Vector Graphics

Gold-looking color may be an issue when working with vector graphics because they do not use pixels, they are an assortment of individual shapes with each shape filled with a solitary color. One option for mimicking gold is to create many different color-shapes but this is often time consuming if done manually. In addition, processes that utilize vectors-only images typically require a limited amount of shapes or colors.

Single-Color (Spot) Printing

Printing a gold image using a single color, that is not a metallic ink, will typically result in a tan, yellow, or mustard color.

Replicating gold images in vector format

When redrawing a gold pixel-based image as a vector-based graphic the new vector image may look considerably different depending on limitations due to requirements, time, and cost. The purpose of the examples below is to emphasize these differences so you may get an idea of what to expect.

Here are some options for redrawing pixel-based gold images in vector format:

1 Vectors-Only Automatic Conversion

• Unlimited colors
• Unlimited shapes.
For this option you must have a good quality/size image to begin with. Poor quality images need to be done manually at higher costs. Auto-tools do not always produce desired results.

2. Vectors-Only Manual Conversion

• Limited colors
• Limited shapes

3. Vectors plus Raster effects¹ - Manual Conversion

If supplier requested Vectors or High Resolution, they don't need a vectors-only graphic. This option may work for images that have softer blends as we may use the raster effects tools within the vector program such as gradients and feathering. Depending on complexity of original and time/cost constraints this option may or may not look identical to original. Amount of colors/shapes is usually irrelevant. If supplier requires vectors-only then you will need option 2.

¹ If supplier accepts vectors or raster then to redraw an image only makes sense if you cannot use the original because it is poor quality, needs to be enlarged, or needs to be different (such as photo to drawing conversion).