In a single picture, there could be millions of different colors, each has its own place in a pixel that stitched together resembles the image we can see.
For graphics designer, it’s definitely not possible to replicate the exact same color just by looking at it. Therefore we uses a color code that represent the color. But how to get the color code in the first place?
Luckily, Adobe Photoshop lets us extract color from a single-pixel so we can use it on other elements. To pick a color from a picture in Photoshop, follow the steps below.
1. Launch Photoshop with the picture where the color you want to copy.
2. Click on Eyedropper tool (I).
3. Then select the Sample Size. The default value is ‘Point Sample’ meaning the tool will pick a color from a single pixel. Meanwhile, the ‘5 by 5 Average’ means it will see the surrounding 5×5 pixels and calculate the average color, so you don’t have to be extremely precise.
4. Now click on the area where the color you want to pick. Click for foreground color, Alt+Click for background color.
5. The colors will be stored at the foreground and background color. Click on one of them to see the color code.
6. The color code will be shown here.
The Eyedropper tool has an extra function named Color Sample Tool. But this tool is not supposed to pick a color, instead, it’s primarily used for tracking colors for later use. Make sure you select the right tool for the right purpose.
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Expand Your Color Workflow in Photoshop
Did you know there’s more to color selection than meets the eye?
While the Eyedropper tool is a fantastic way to grab colors from an image, Photoshop offers additional features to refine and expand your color workflow. For instance, you can use the Adobe Color Picker to explore alternative shades or even create a custom palette for your project. By experimenting with tools like the Color Range Selector, you can isolate specific tones across an image, making it easier to maintain consistency in your designs.
Generating Color Palettes from Images
If you’re working with a complex image or illustration, consider creating a full color palette. One way to do this is by converting your image to Indexed Color Mode (found under Image > Mode > Indexed Color). This reduces the image to a manageable set of colors, which you can then save as swatches for future use. Alternatively, Adobe’s Extract Theme tool on Adobe Color lets you upload an image and extract up to five key colors, perfect for building cohesive designs.
Pro Tip: Sampling Colors Across Applications
Need a color from outside Photoshop? Start the Eyedropper tool in Photoshop and drag it beyond the application window to sample colors from other apps or your desktop. This trick is invaluable when working on multi-platform projects.
FAQ
How do I ensure color accuracy across devices?
To maintain consistent color representation, work within standardized color spaces like sRGB or Adobe RGB. Additionally, calibrating your monitor ensures accurate color display.
Can I save frequently used colors for future projects?
Yes! Use the Swatches panel to save your sampled colors. Simply click the “Add to Swatches” button after selecting a color.
What’s the difference between HEX, RGB, and CMYK codes?
- HEX: Primarily used for web design, representing colors in six-digit alphanumeric codes.
- RGB: Ideal for digital screens, combining red, green, and blue values.
- CMYK: Best for print projects, based on cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink percentages.
For more advanced workflows and tools, explore Adobe’s tutorials or check out related resources on Adobe Help.
