Color picker

A screenshot of the GTK+ 2 color picker.

A screenshot of the Qt color picker.

GIMP color picker.

A color picker (also color chooser or color tool) is a graphical user interface widget, usually found within graphics software or online, used to select colors and, in some cases, to create color schemes (the color picker might be more sophisticated than the palette included with the program). Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows or macOS have a system color picker, which can be used by third-party programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop).

Purpose

A color picker is used to select and adjust color values. In graphic design and image editing, users typically choose colors via an interface with a visual representation of a color—organized with quasi-perceptually-relevant hue, saturation and lightness dimensions (HSL) – instead of keying in alphanumeric text values. Because color appearance depends on comparison of neighboring colors (see color vision), many interfaces attempt to clarify the relationships between colors.

Interface

Color tools can vary in their interface. Some may use sliders, buttons, text boxes for color values, or direct manipulation. Often a two-dimensional square is used to create a range of color values (such as lightness and saturation) that can be clicked on or selected in some other manner. Drag and drop, color droppers, and various other forms of interfaces are commonly used as well.

Usually, color values are also displayed numerically, so they can be precisely remembered and keyed-in later, such as three values of 0-255 representing red, green, and blue, respectively.

Eyedropper

The eyedropper tool is an essential feature found in most graphic design and image editing software. Its primary function is to allow users to select and sample colors from an image or design. This capability is invaluable for maintaining color consistency, creating harmonious palettes, and achieving precision in digital artwork.

Key Features of the Eyedropper Tool

Color Sampling: The eyedropper tool lets you click on any part of your image to capture the exact color at that pixel. This color can then be applied to other elements within your project.

Hex and RGB Codes: When you sample a color using the eyedropper, most tools will provide you with the corresponding hex code and RGB values. These codes are crucial for web design, branding, and ensuring consistent color usage across different media.

Seamless Integration: In many advanced tools, the eyedropper is seamlessly integrated with other features. For example, you can quickly switch from sampling a color to painting with it or adding it to your swatch library for future use.

Precision: Modern eyedropper tools like Image Color Picker often come with zoom capabilities, allowing you to pinpoint the exact color you need, even in high-resolution images or complex designs.

Popular Uses of the Eyedropper Tool

Web Design: Ensuring that colors on a webpage match the brand's style guide. Photo Editing: Adjusting colors in a photograph to achieve a more natural or stylized look. Graphic Design: Creating cohesive designs by using a consistent color palette. Digital Art: Enhancing the realism and depth of digital paintings by accurately sampling and applying colors.

Working

A color picker has two main parts, first a color slider and second a color canvas. The color slider has a linear or radial gradient of the seven rainbow colors i.e. Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. It allows you to choose any of the seven primary colors.

The color value chosen from the color slider instantly reflects in the color canvas. The color canvas is a mixture of two linear color gradients. First a linear gradient of the current chosen color and second a linear gradient of the black color. This mixture of color gradients lets you choose a lighter and darker version of the current chosen color from the color slider.

See also

• Alexis Spectral Data
• Color balance
• Color management
• Color space
• RGB color spaces

References

• Feisner, Edith Anderson; Reed, Ronald (2014), Color Studies, New York: Fairchild Books, ISBN 9781609015312

External links

• Various color formats