Have you explored the DANIEL SMITH Interactive Color Map (CIE-Lab) lately? Whether you’re new to our paints or a long-time fan, this tool is a must for discovering the full range of colors we offer—and more importantly, for sparking inspiration in your creative process.

Here’s a LINK and a below is a video that both give a basic overview

This Color Map is more than just a color reference. Think of it as your personal color playground! Let’s take a look at some fun and practical ways artists are using the Interactive Color Map:

Working on a new painting or series? Use the color map to build your ideal palette. With the “filter by property” feature, you can explore pigments by granulation, transparency, lightfastness, or staining characteristics. Looking for bold granulating colors for dramatic texture? Or transparent pigments for subtle glazing? The map helps you mix and match based on what you need. For example, let’s say you want to compare all granulating greens. Simply check the box for “granulation” under the “Properties” tab and then select the green color family.

Or perhaps you want to find non-granulating greens!

You can even click on any color to have another window pop up telling you more about that color!

Ever clicked on a color just because it looked pretty? That’s half the fun. The interactive map encourages you to follow your curiosity. Each color square reveals the color’s name, pigment information, and a larger swatch when you hover—perfect for discovering those hidden gems you may not have tried yet (hello, Moonglow!).

Here we selected the “Mayan” family so we can see them all together!

Want to try something new but unsure how it fits into your current collection? The map helps you visualize and compare up to 20 colors side by side, saving you from second-guessing your next addition. Try combining your go-to colors with new possibilities to plan future mixes or dream palettes. Here’s an example of a split-primary color palette put together using this tool!

You can even email your results to yourself or a friend!

Looking for just the right shade of blue for your seascape, or a juicy orange for your autumn palette? Use the zoom and pan features to zero in on specific color families. Seeing all the variations within one hue range can help you choose the exact shade that speaks to your style.

Soft, creamy, and delightfully warm, Jaune Brilliant No. 1 is like the golden light of a spring morning. With its peachy undertone and gentle opacity, it’s perfect for painting the delicate blush of rose petals, the curve of a baby chick’s belly, or adding a warm glow to skin tones and fur. It pairs beautifully with cooler pastels for balanced harmony. Available In: 15ml tubes.

Here we chose “warmest” temperature and the Orange color family.

You can click on each square to see what color it is and add it to compare!

Added!

Finally, you can click COMPARE for all of the colors you added and see them together!

If you’re studying pigment properties or trying to memorize pigment codes, the map is a helpful visual companion. Teachers and students alike are using it as a reference during demos or assignments—especially when learning how different pigments behave on paper.

Here we have selected the Quinacridones Family so that we can compare their pigment properties. Pigment info and series number for each is listed in the box directly under the color name.

Whether you’re planning, playing, or just exploring, the Interactive Color Map (CIE-Lab) is a vibrant way to stay connected with your creativity. Plus, it’s accessible anytime, from anywhere—so your next color adventure is always just a click away.

Explore the DANIEL SMITH Interactive Color Map here

Happy painting!