Remap Colors Effect
The Remap Colors effect lets you replace specific colors in your artwork with different colors. It features automatic color detection to save you time.
Overview
Remap Colors includes auto-population - it automatically detects all unique colors in your artwork and populates the mapping interface.
This effect is perfect for:
- Changing color palettes
- Fixing color mistakes
- Creating color variations
- Batch color replacement
Using Remap Colors
The Mapping Interface
The interface shows two columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| From | Original colors detected in your artwork |
| To | The color each will be replaced with |
Auto-Population
When you open Remap Colors:
- Canvas is analyzed automatically
- All unique colors are identified
- Colors appear in the "From" column
- "To" defaults to the same color (no change)
Auto-population means you don't need to manually enter colors. The effect detects everything for you.
Setting Replacement Colors
Method 1: Color Picker
- Click the "To" color swatch
- Use the color picker to select new color
- Preview updates immediately
Method 2: Hex Input
- Click on the hex code field
- Enter a valid hex color (e.g.,
#FF5500) - Press Enter to apply
Method 3: Swap Colors
To swap two colors:
- Note Color A's current value
- Set Color A's "To" to Color B's original
- Set Color B's "To" to Color A's original
Workflow Examples
Change Single Color
- Open Remap Colors
- Find the color to change in the "From" list
- Click its "To" field
- Select or enter the new color
- Apply
Palette Swap
Replace an entire color palette:
Reduce Color Count
Simplify your palette by mapping similar colors:
- Identify similar colors (e.g., multiple shades of blue)
- Map all similar colors to one unified color
- Apply for a cleaner, simpler palette
This is useful for preparing artwork for limited-color exports or retro aesthetics.
Working with Specific Colors
Background Colors
Both text colors and background colors are detected:
- Background colors appear in the list
- Map them separately from foreground colors
- Preview shows both changes
Similar Colors
When you have many similar colors:
- Sort by hue to group them
- Map groups to unified colors
- Create more cohesive palettes
Timeline Mode
Apply color remapping to all frames:
- Enable "Apply to all frames"
- Set your color mappings
- Click Apply
- All frames receive the same remapping
Colors unique to specific frames will also be detected when Timeline Mode analyzes all frames.
Combining with Other Effects
With Hue & Saturation
- Use Hue & Saturation for global color shifts
- Use Remap Colors for precise, targeted changes
- Apply Hue & Saturation first for best workflow
With Levels
- Adjust Levels first for brightness/contrast
- Then use Remap Colors for color replacement
- Order matters for consistent results
With Scatter
- Apply color remapping before Scatter
- Scatter adds texture; remapping changes colors
- Both can work together for unique effects
Tips
- Use auto-population - Let the effect detect colors for you
- Preview often - Toggle to compare before/after
- Map incrementally - Change one color at a time for complex edits
- Save first - Backup your project before major remapping
- Consider relationships - Keep similar colors grouped when remapping
Troubleshooting
Color Not Detected
If a color doesn't appear:
- Ensure it's actually used in the visible area
- Check both text and background colors
- The color might be very close to another (sub-pixel difference)
Unexpected Changes
If colors change unexpectedly:
- Check all your mappings
- Some colors may have been mapped accidentally
- Reset and start fresh if needed
Performance
For artworks with many colors:
- Detection may take a moment
- Preview updates may be slightly slower
- Consider reducing color count first