> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vizcom.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Color Variation 

## Explore colorways instantly with Color Variation

Extract a palette from any image and generate multiple shuffled colorways in one click.

## When to use Color Variation

Color Variation helps you explore CMF directions quickly from a single concept. Instead of manually recoloring designs, you can extract an existing palette and automatically generate multiple coordinated alternatives.

Use Color Variation when:

* Exploring CMF options
* Preparing presentation ready colorways
* Testing visual directions quickly
* Building inspiration from a strong base render

This workflow is ideal for footwear, apparel, automotive, industrial design, and concept art.

## How to use Color Variation

Using Color Variation in Workbench:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start from an existing render, sketch, or generate a base concept." />

  <Step title="Create a Variate block and select Color.">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=aa82d2ff097cafcc1bad6179df2a4064" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Vizcom extract the original palette from your image.">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=637017724581b6789899f564e835303b" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-1.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust colors manually using the selector, or apply saved asset colors." />

  <Step title="Optionally choose from preset color palettes to explore alternatives faster.">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=6147f1ba03d9aa05c990d624f0edcc7c" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-3.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select how many variations you want to generate." />

  <Step title="Click Generate to produce multiple colorways.">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-4.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=96bbb509616ded0e27cdfd266583c52d" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-4.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

Using Color Variation in Studio:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Double click an image to enter studio" />

  <Step title="From the workflow sidebar select the &#x22;Variations&#x22; tab">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-5.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=796c51acaa956016a3dd94f27e7541dc" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-5.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Vizcom extract the original palette from your image." />

  <Step title="Adjust the colors">
    Select a color to change individually, or adjust the entire palette to transform your design

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-6.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=2554f24e602e1a7e916bef093cf1b9f6" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-6.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate color variations">
    Within studio, generations appear within the results panel

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/vizcom-c4034e9b/gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK/images/image-7.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=gpy0d5GU3_j_ugtK&q=85&s=67527184b5b7b330c657c98382d603ed" alt="Image" width="2400" height="1350" data-path="images/image-7.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best practices when using Color Variation

* **Start from a strong base**
  * Clean materials and lighting produce clearer color swaps.
  * If the base render is muddy, variations will feel inconsistent.
* **Mix manual and preset palettes**
  * Use presets for quick exploration.
  * Use manual selection when aligning to brand or production constraints.
* **Combine with Modify**
  * After selecting a colorway, use Modify to adjust materials or proportions.
  * Color Variation defines direction, Modify refines execution.

## Tips

<Tip>
  Generate more variations than you think you need, then curate. Reviewing a range helps reveal unexpected but strong directions.
</Tip>

## Next steps

* Use Modify to fine tune materials after selecting a colorway.
* Combine Color Variation with Extract Material to build reusable CMF libraries.
* Apply your saved brand palettes to ensure visual consistency across projects.