How to use the Color Palette Tool
Choose an image relevant to the design decision, crop out distracting content where possible, and decide whether the palette is for screen presentation, material coordination or accessibility review.
The workspace starts blank. Load example temporarily fills the controls with demonstration data; reload or use the tool’s New or reset action, where provided, before entering live information.
- Upload the reference image or begin with the site palette, then choose Palette size and a Fast, Balanced or Detailed sampling level.
- Generate the palette and remove or adjust colors that represent temporary lighting, people, sky or other irrelevant regions.
- Review RGB, CIELAB and approximate CMYK values; use the contrast check for any proposed foreground and background pair.
- Name the palette, save it to an account or project when appropriate, and export ASE, PNG or PDF for the intended workflow.
Worked examples
These examples explain the set-up, expected output and review needed without changing the tool workspace.
Site-derived presentation palette
- Set-up
- Upload a daylight site photograph, use Balanced sampling and retain a compact set drawn from masonry, vegetation and existing painted elements.
- Result
- Create a named digital palette for diagrams and early presentation work, with the source image retained separately.
- Review
- Remove colors caused by deep shadow or clipped highlights and compare the final set on the display used for presentation.
Text and background pair
- Set-up
- Enter the proposed text and background colors and run the on-screen contrast check.
- Result
- Record the calculated contrast result alongside the palette rather than relying on a visual judgement.
- Review
- Check all actual text sizes and interface states; still review physical signage and printed material separately.
Suggested workflow
Place the tool in a controlled project or practice process rather than treating its output as an isolated verdict.
- Identify the source and intended use before extracting colors.
- Reduce the automatic sample to a deliberate working palette, then test any functional color pairs.
- Use calibrated proofs, physical samples and manufacturer references before making a material or print commitment.
Check before saving or issuing
- The palette is not dominated by lighting artifacts or irrelevant image regions.
- Functional text and background combinations have been checked at their intended size.
- Digital values are clearly distinguished from manufacturer codes and physical sample approvals.
Common problems
- Palette looks muddy: crop the image more tightly or use a more evenly lit source before increasing sampling detail.
- Exported print color differs from screen: CMYK values are approximate; use the printer profile and a physical proof.
- Contrast result seems irrelevant: test the exact foreground/background pair rather than the palette colors in isolation.
Output
A named palette with color values, contrast checks, Adobe ASE, PNG and PDF outputs.
Professional boundary
Screen values and approximate CMYK conversions are not substitutes for physical samples, calibrated proofs or manufacturer color standards.