Swatches: Live Color Picker

As a filmmaker and web developer, color is constantly on the forefront of my mind. The versatility of Swatches in providing various color values has sped up my workflow tremendously. Whereas I used to have to take a picture, import it into Photoshop, grab the color with the eyedropper, then apply that value to whatever its final destination was, I can now get nearly any value I need as soon as I capture the color. I was concerned about the accuracy of the color sampling, but the ability to adjust the white balance makes the app adaptable to nearly any lighting situation. It has made me look at colors completely differently and infused objects (and people) with a whole new personality— it’s not just my “purple” comforter anymore, but my “Bossanova” comforter. And we all know Bossanova is a lot more luxurious than that standard issue purple. I love the palette and share functionalities straight from the app (no more screenshots filling up my phone). Even if it’s not being used for work, Swatches is good plain fun at any level and really makes you look at the world with a new set of eyes (or, in this case, color picker).

I am an artist working in between design and food and this is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. This app is useful, fun, and allows me to explore color in a new way. Many projects elicit me to want to grab colors from the food I am working with and incorporate it into graphic design elements. I have tried other apps that have color-selecting elements. They are either incredibly inaccurate or make you pay. Swatches is not only accurate in sharing the closest HEX color, but also the nearest paint store color and Pantone, linking directly to their website. It even is super easy to share on iMessage and on social media, something I haven’t seen with other apps of this nature. Oh, and perhaps the most underrated special element is that it allows those who are blind to still experience colors, but audibly sharing info on the colors. I am def going to share with my interior design/ graphic design/ fashion friends. So useful and fun :)

I do a variety of design work, from graphic design to painting rooms and furniture. This app makes it so easy to find the right color for whatever you need. Just point at something with the camera and pick the color out. You’re then provided with all the details you need for that specific color. It’s easy to use and a great app to have on hand!

Just downloaded it and I am in love! It acts like the wand tool on photo shop and grabs the color pigments. Yes lighting will effect what you see on screen yet it that can be adjusted for. Can’t wait to keep using and see how it evolves! Highly recommend!

Beautiful, functional app. It’s not that there aren’t any features that can be added — but rather no features can be removed. Always glad to support an independent developer.