Windows 7 Color Palette
These are the primary colors that are used in Windows 7 icons.
Icons and Colors
Colors can hugely enhance an icons recognition. Our perception has always been connected to color and color has long been used to emphasize and express ideas to our subconscious. Think for example of danger signs and their use of red.
Icon Color Depth
The color depth of an icon image involves issues that affect both end-users and authors. It is important that authors understand both perspectives to be able to make the best choices when creating their own icons.
Windows icons should include 4-bit (16 color), 8-bit (256-color), and 32-bit (Windows 7) images in multiple sizes.
A common misconception is that more system resources are used for icons whose source images are larger than others. Windows uses the same amount of resources for every icon it displays, no matter what the size of the image is on disk . Windows converts all image formats it processes to the size and color depth that the system is configured to display.
Download Windows 7 Primary Color Swatches for Photoshop and Illustrator
Download ready to use and complete Windows 7 primary color swatches for Photoshop here.
Color depth compatibility issues
Not all hardware and software platforms are capable of supporting all color depths. You should consider the following when deciding what image formats you'd like to provide to your audience:
- Only Windows 7 can display icons in the Windows 7 icon format correctly.
- Video configurations may be limited in color depth do to capabilities, available memory, or video driver limitations.
- Windows 95 does not display icons in greater than 16 colors. A desktop enhancement is required, such as the Windows Plus! Package.
- Windows NT 4.0 does not display True Color image formats properly. Avoid True Color images if your audience includes NT4 users.
- Some users may opt to set their icon color depth to 4-bit (16 colors) to reduce system resource usage.