Why swatching beats guessing
Marker caps are not reliable. Ink looks different on different paper, and the same label can vary slightly between batches. A simple swatch chart saves time and prevents surprise colors mid-page.
The simplest swatch chart (no fancy supplies)
- Use the same paper you color on (or print on).
- Write the color code/name next to a swatch.
- Make a 2-layer swatch (one pass + a second pass) to see saturation.
- Optional: add a tiny blend strip with a neighboring color.
How to build palettes fast
Pick one base color family, add a warm/cool shadow, and choose one accent. Repeat. Palettes feel cohesive when they share undertones (all warm, all cool, or intentionally mixed).
Kolorio AI makes this easy: save palettes you love, then reuse them across pages so your whole book has the same vibe.
Colorize any page in seconds
Take a photo of your coloring book page and get a clean color guide + marker-friendly palette to follow. Save palettes, keep your look consistent, and color with more confidence.
FAQ
Do I need a printable chart?
No. A hand-made chart on index cards works great. The key is using the same paper as your final pages.
Should I swatch light-to-dark or by number?
Either works. Many people reorganize by hue (all reds together, etc.) because it's faster to build palettes that way.
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How to Swatch Markers (and Make a Color Chart)
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