Color Palette Extractor

Color Thief v3 uses OKLCH color quantization to extract dominant colors from images. Unlike simple pixel sampling, quantization groups similar colors together in perceptual color space — meaning the extracted colors match how human eyes perceive color, not just raw mathematical averages. The algorithm samples pixels from the image via HTML5 Canvas, clusters them using a modified median-cut algorithm in OKLCH space, and returns the most visually significant color groups. The semantic swatch feature goes further: it identifies specific perceptual roles (Vibrant, Muted, DarkVibrant, LightVibrant) that designers commonly need when building color schemes from reference images.

Designers extract color palettes from inspiration images, mood boards, and client brand assets to build consistent visual systems. E-commerce teams match product photography colors to create coordinated listing designs. Web developers extract brand colors from logos to generate CSS custom properties. Social media managers maintain visual consistency by extracting palette colors from campaign imagery. Interior designers analyze room photos to identify complementary accent colors. Artists study color composition in reference paintings. Brand consultants reverse-engineer competitor color schemes from their websites and marketing materials. Because this tool runs locally, it is safe for unreleased brand assets, confidential design mockups, and proprietary creative work.