How to Fix Missing Pantone Colors in Adobe Illustrator 2024 and Beyond for Free

Download File

Password: abdul

If you’ve recently updated to Adobe Illustrator 2024 (or newer versions) and noticed that the familiar Pantone color libraries are missing, you’re not alone! Many designers have faced this issue, as Adobe shifted its Pantone integration to the paid Pantone Connect service.

But don’t worry! You don’t need a subscription to get your Pantone colors back. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to restore Pantone colors in Adobe Illustrator 2024 and future versions — for free!

Prefer a video tutorial? Watch it here:

Why Are Pantone Colors Missing in Adobe Illustrator?

Starting with recent updates, Adobe removed the built-in Pantone libraries from Illustrator. Instead, it now relies on Pantone Connect, a cloud-based subscription service, to access these color libraries.

While this change might suit some users, many designers have been left scrambling to find a free solution for accessing Pantone colors. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to get them back — no subscription required!

Step-by-Step Guide: Restore Pantone Colors for Free

Step 1: Download the Files

Step 2: Extract the Files

  • Locate the downloaded ZIP file.
  • Right-click and select Extract All (Windows) or double-click to unzip (Mac).

Step 3: Find the Installation Directory

  • Navigate to your Adobe Illustrator installation folder.
    • Windows: Usually located in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator 2024.
    • Mac: Go to /Applications/Adobe Illustrator 2024.

Step 4: Paste the Files into the Color Books Folder

  • Open the extracted folder from Step 2.
  • Copy all the files inside.
  • Navigate to the Color Books folder within your Illustrator directory.
    • For example: Adobe Illustrator 2024 > Presets > en_US > Swatches > Color Books.
  • Paste the copied files into this folder.

Step 5: Restart Adobe Illustrator

  • Close Illustrator if it’s running.
  • Open it again, and voilà! Your Pantone colors are back!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

 

 

Is This Solution Safe to Use?

Yes, the process involves adding files that act as standalone color libraries. No modifications are made to the core Illustrator application.

 

Will This Work in Future Versions of Adobe Illustrator?

Yes, this solution should work for newer versions of Illustrator as long as the folder structure remains the same.

 

Final Thoughts

Restoring Pantone colors in Adobe Illustrator doesn’t have to be a hassle or cost a dime. By following this guide (or watching the video tutorial), you can bring your color libraries back and keep designing without interruptions.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to:

  • Share it with your fellow designers.
  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials.
  • Visit my blog for more design tips and tricks.

Happy designing!