The Natural Colour System (NCS) is used worldwide to communicate colours in a reliable and reproducible way. The system makes it possible to make colour agreements that remain consistent from design to execution, regardless of material, supplier or application.
On this page you will learn how to work with NCS in practice.
1. Making colour agreements with NCS
NCS is used as a common language between:
An NCS code acts as an exact reference, ensuring everyone works with the same colour — even when materials differ, such as paint, plastic, textile or coatings.
2. Colour consistency in projects
In projects involving multiple parties, NCS ensures:
- ✓unambiguous specifications in tender documents
- ✓consistent colour choices in design documents
- ✓clear agreements with suppliers
- ✓less risk of miscommunication
- ✓reproducible production in later phases
Because NCS is independent of production methods, you can effortlessly transfer colours between disciplines and working groups.
3. Colour matching in practice
With an NCS colour fan or colour sample you can:
- •accurately identify existing colours
- •assess differences between design and execution
- •detect deviations in production or maintenance
- •choose alternatives that visually fall within the same range
This makes NCS highly suitable for projects where colour control is essential, such as architecture, interiors, product development and industrial coatings.
4. Aligning materials
Because the same NCS code applies to all materials, you can easily:
- •match facade colours with window frames
- •match plastic parts with metal coatings
- •coordinate textile colours with paint and interior components
- •align print materials in visual identities
NCS eliminates interpretation differences caused by screen colours, variable lighting or material gloss.
5. Documentation and technical communication
Professionals use NCS codes in:
This ensures colour agreements are traceable, verifiable and reproducible throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
6. Colour control and quality assurance
In execution and production, you use NCS to:
- •identify colour deviations
- •assess tolerances
- •adjust production processes
- •establish visual quality standards
- •exactly reproduce maintenance colours
For industries where colour consistency is crucial, NCS provides a neutral and reliable reference.
7. Always work with physical references
Digital colours are approximations and can never exactly match physical colours.
Therefore, for professional colour work you use:
- ✓physical NCS colour fans
- ✓colour samples
- ✓the NCS Index
- ✓reference cards for colour control
These tools are essential for accurately assessing colours.
Work professionally with NCS?
View all NCS colour fans and colour samples in our webshop from the Netherlands Colour Institute.
Want to learn more about working with NCS?
Take the comprehensive Online NCS Colour Course from the Netherlands Colour Institute via the Kleurenschool.
There you will learn, among other things:
- ✓how to use NCS in projects
- ✓how to document colour agreements
- ✓how to perform colour matching
- ✓how to maintain colour consistency