What is the OpenColor Standard?
The OpenColor Standard (OCS) is an open, device-independent color identification system. Every color receives a unique ID derived from its position in perceptually uniform LCH color space, making color communication precise and unambiguous across disciplines.
Why a New Standard?
Color communication has long been fragmented. Screen designers think in hex, printers work in spot books, and textile producers rely on physical swatches. OCS bridges these worlds by anchoring every color to a mathematical definition that's both human-readable and machine-precise.
Core Principles
- Perceptually uniform. Based on CIE LCH color space, where equal numerical steps produce equal visual differences.
- Device-independent. The standard defines colors by their perceptual properties, not by device output. Substrate codes bridge the gap to physical media.
- Self-describing IDs. An OCS ID like
OCS-7055-025-Cencodes lightness, chroma, hue, and substrate directly in its name. - Open and free. No licensing fees, no proprietary tools required. Use OCS in any workflow.
Who Is It For?
Designers
Browse a perceptually organized library and find harmonies instantly.
Developers
Copy hex, RGB, or LCH values. Integrate via JSON or CSS custom properties.
Print Production
Simulate substrate shifts and specify colors with confidence.
Quick Start
- Browse the Color Library to find colors by family, lightness, chroma, or hue.
- Use the Color Picker to find the closest OCS match for any hex or RGB value.
- Check the Substrate Simulator to preview how a color appears on different materials.
- Read the OCS ID System guide to understand the naming convention.