Design Useful Color Scales for Color-Coded Graphics with ColorScale Software

Color scales are used to help people visualize differences in data fields quickly. In addition, if a color scale has a linear transition in at least one color (red, green, or blue), the actual numerical values of the original data may be calculated from the color-coded image. Then simple graphics packages could display and quantitatively analyze the data at the same time.

NOTE: The images that follow are not interactive. Please download the software (OSX OS9 PC) and follow along with the mini tutorial.

Experiment with the placement of red, green, and blue intensities, ranging from 0 to 255 intensity (0 having no contribution; 255 having maximum intensity), along different portions of the 0-100% vertical scale to create easily recognized color bands. The radio buttons allow you to limit colors to within the designated scale range or to extend the end color values to the remaining portions of the scale.

A sample color scale is provided when the program starts. After setting new color ranges and intensities, click "Apply" or type the "Return" or "Enter" key.

Save color scales to a text file that may be opened in spreadsheet software by using the "Save Color Scale" option in the File Menu.

Move the cursor over any of the four graphs to see color and values output to the screen.