Visualization FAQs

Colorfully Made is an independent website dedicated to showcasing Stampin’ Up! colors. We’ve developed a suite of tools, which we call “Visualizations” — or, more affectionately — just “Viz” that illustrate the color collections in a variety of graphical layouts. These tools combine a mix of color theory, mathematical calculations and values as well as practical limitations of working with a set palette of colors. We know there are times when these tools may “break” some rules of color theory and science, but keep in mind the main goal of our tools is to help customers use the Stampin’ Up! colors that are available to them. That’s why, for example, we might say a color is analogous to another even if that might be bending — or even breaking — the rules of color theory.

Color relationships are calculated from each color’s saved color value and then interpreted through hue-based color theory. The visualization uses those color values to estimate where each color belongs on a color wheel and to find related colors such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary and triadic colors.

Stampin’ Up! organizes colors by product collections, catalog years and marketing families such as Brights, Neutrals, Regals, Subtles, In Colors and other groupings. The Colorfully Made visualization organizes colors by their color values. That means two colors may appear close together on the wheel even if they are in different Stampin’ Up! collections. Likewise, colors from the same Stampin’ Up! collection may appear far apart if their actual hues are different. You will also find slight differences in how colors are arranged within a collection.

No. This visualization is an unofficial Colorfully Made tool that uses saved color data and color-theory calculations. It is designed to help compare, explore and combine colors, but it is not an official Stampin’ Up! color wheel. It also not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!

Monochromatic colors (labeled with ) are colors that are very close to the selected color’s hue. For our purposes, monochromatic colors include the two colors immediately adjacent to the selected wedge on the wheel, even if they do not perfectly match the mathematical hue range. This helps make the monochromatic group more useful when working with a fixed set of Stampin’ Up! colors. We do know that, on a broader scale, this approach technically goes against the definition of “monochromatic.” However, the approach we use here is designed to still help crafters identify colors that can be used to create a monochromatic effect. If you do want monochromatic colors that are all in the same hue, you may be able to achieve this by working with a variety of Stampin’ Up! products. For example, Stampin’ Blends and two-tone cardstock purposefully have lighter and darker shades of the same hue (one on each side), which aligns more closely with the technical definition of monochromatic. Traditional cardstock and two-tone cardstock are also typically three different shades of the same hue, which gives you more options. Monochromatic-like effects can also be achieved by using techniques such as stamping off and blending.

Analogous colors (noted with the icon ) are nearby colors on either side of the selected color on the color wheel. In this visualization, analogous colors use a broader nearby range than monochromatic colors, currently around 45 degrees on either side of the selected color.

Complementary colors (noted with ) are colors near the opposite side of the color wheel from the selected color. They are useful when you want contrast or a color combination with more visual energy. Because the tool uses the available Stampin’ Up! color set, the complementary color shown may be the closest available match rather than a mathematically perfect opposite.

Triadic colors, noted by the icon, are colors located around three balanced points on the color wheel, roughly 120 degrees apart. These combinations can feel balanced but more colorful than a monochromatic or analogous palette. As with complementary colors, the tool uses the closest matches from the available color list.

The visualization works with a fixed set of saved colors. It cannot invent colors that are not in the database. If the mathematically perfect complementary, analogous or triadic color does not exist in the available Stampin’ Up! colors, the tool shows the closest available matches.

The visualization can include current colors, retired colors and historical colors depending on the selected filter or display mode. Past colors are organized using saved collection and year-range data, such as color families, In Color ranges and retired catalog periods. Retired or past colors can still be displayed for comparison and inspiration.

We use two-year ranges for organizing colors. Until May 2026, Stampin’ Up! published an annual catalog, typically in the spring, that would introduce new In Colors as well as any updates to the core colors. These would last until the next annual catalog was published, typically about a year later. This is why we need to indicate that a color was active, for example, from 2000-2002. In May 2026, Stampin’ Up! switched to a three-catalog-a-year approach. Catalogs are published covering January through April, May through August and September through December. Even though these catalogs break the year up into three event parts, new In Colors and core collection changes have, at least so far, been announced in the May through August catalog. For that reason, this site considers the “start” of the year, at least in terms of determining when colors are active, to be May of one year through April of the following year. You’ll notice we don’t refer to catalogs as “annual” catalogs in our labeling system. Instead, we’re referring to the time period the color in question was considered active.

In Colors are organized by their year ranges, such as 2024-2026. Current In Colors are determined contextually from the newest active In Color spans, not simply by whether a calendar year appears in the range. This helps avoid treating an older outgoing In Color range as “current” when newer active In Color groups are available. Also, just like Stampin’ Up! In Colors will be listed as the year they are scheduled to be replaced by a new round of In Colors (note that In Colors may return, in which case the site will be updated shortly after the publication of those announcements).

Wedge view, indicated by , displays colors as slices around a circular color wheel. Each wedge represents a color’s position based on its hue. This view is useful when you want a bold, full-wheel view that makes hue groupings easy to see. When you hover or lock a color (by clicking on it), related colors are highlighted and you’ll see more information about it.

Marker view, which uses the icon , places colors as individual markers around the wheel instead of full wedges. This can make it easier to see individual colors when many colors are close together. These appear as circles. Marker view still uses the same color-theory calculations as wedge view. The markers show visual placement, while the relationship groupings are based on the color math.

Arc view, which is denoted using the icon, organizes colors into curved family or collection arcs. This view is useful when you want to see colors grouped by larger categories while still keeping a visual relationship to the color wheel. Arc view is especially helpful for showing collections or color families in a more structured format than a full wheel.

Ring view, which uses this icon , displays colors in circular bands or rings. It is useful for comparing color families, collections or groups while still keeping a circular visual structure. The exact layout depends on the available color data and the selected grouping options.

This mode, which uses the symbol , arranges the information in a circular graphic. All of the views, wedge, marker, arc and ring, are available in visualization mode.

List-only mode (which uses ) shows colors as swatches and labels instead of a wheel graphic. It is useful when you want a compact, readable list or when the screen size makes the wheel less practical. Wedge, marker, arc and ring views also have a coordinating list view. Relationship highlighting still works in list mode. The selected color, monochromatic colors, analogous colors, complementary colors and triadic colors can be styled differently so the relationships remain visible.

In visual mode, the selected format displays a graphic representation of the colors:

• Wedge view uses full color slices.
• Marker view uses individual color dots or markers.
• Arc view arranges colors in curved grouped sections.
• Ring view arranges colors in circular rings.

Hovering or locking a color highlights its related colors and may show relationship details in a side panel, floating panel or below the visualization depending on screen size.

In list-only mode, the graphic is removed or reduced, and the color list becomes the primary interface. Colors are shown as swatches with labels. Relationship styling is applied to the swatches and labels rather than to wheel shapes. This mode is useful for readability, printing, smaller layouts or users who prefer a list of color names.

Locking a color keeps that color selected so you can continue reviewing its related colors without needing to keep your mouse over it. This is especially helpful on touch devices or when exploring the relationship sidebar or details panel. Depending on the view, the locked color may show a small bubble with icons for actions such as opening the color link, clearing the lock or viewing relationship details.

On larger screens, wedge and marker views can show relationship details in the page margin. On medium screens, the panel may float over the visualization area so the wheel does not shrink. On smaller screens, the relationship information can appear below the visualization. This keeps the wheel usable while still making the relationship details available.

The visualization adapts to available space. On very large screens, the relationship details can fit beside the wheel in the page margin. On medium screens, placing the panel in the margin could create horizontal scrolling, so it can float instead. On smaller screens, the panel moves below the visualization. This prevents the wheel from becoming too small or forcing the page wider than the screen.

Use wedge view when you want the clearest full-wheel color overview. Use marker view when you want to focus on individual colors. Use ring or arc view when you want to emphasize families, collections or grouped organization. Use list-only mode when readability and compactness matter most.

On phones, the visualization uses a more compact layout. Some information may move below the wheel, and list-based views may be easier to use than dense wheel views. Touch users can tap or lock colors instead of relying on hover behavior. On mobile devices, list mode is typically the only mode available because any attempt to show a graphic representation of the visualization would be so compact that it would be impractical to use. At this time, you must switch to a device with a larger screen size to use the visual modes.

On smaller tablets or narrow screens, the visualization may adjust the relationship details panel so it does not squeeze the wheel. Depending on the screen width and orientation, details may appear as a floating panel or below the visualization. Landscape tablet layouts may behave differently from portrait tablet layouts because there is more horizontal space available.

Labels and bubbles are positioned so they stay close to the selected color while also remaining visible on the screen. The tool may adjust bubble placement if a label would otherwise run off the page edge or overlap awkwardly with the visualization.

Some Stampin’ Up! colors have very similar hue values. When many colors fall in the same area of the wheel, their markers may overlap or cluster. This reflects the closeness of their calculated color positions. A future enhancement could spread markers visually while still keeping the relationship math based on the original color values.

A color can sometimes qualify for more than one relationship type, especially when working with a limited color set. The interface may prioritize one relationship style visually to keep the display readable. For example, a nearby color might be treated as monochromatic instead of also appearing as analogous.

Neutral colors may not behave the same way as strongly hued colors because their hue can be less meaningful or less visually obvious. Depending on the view, neutrals may appear in a separate strip, group or section. Colors that we exclude include browns, tans, grays, off-whites and creams as well as variations on black and white.

Yes, if retired or past colors are included in the selected view or filter. This is helpful for crafters who still own older Stampin’ Up! products and want to combine them with current colors.

Yes. Because the visualization is based on color values, it can compare colors across different collections, catalog years and product families. This is one of the main benefits of the tool: it helps find visual relationships that may not be obvious from Stampin’ Up!’s official collection structure.

Color names are descriptive and brand-specific, but the visualization is based on saved color values. A color name might sound warm, cool, bright or neutral, but its actual RGB/hex value determines where it appears on the wheel.

Yes. You can use the print or export buttons in the lower left to perform these actions. Please note that when you print or export, your view will showcase your currently locked color as its associated information. To change the active color, click the “close” icon and click on another. You can also print and export without any color in “locked” mode but this won’t show any details about color relationships.

We typically update the system whenever new colors are officially announced to the public. We may also occasionally update or revise current or retired colors.

Wherever possible, we use the official Stampin’ Up! HEX code. However, keep in mind that screens can’t precisely replicate how a color will look on your cardstock, ink or markers. It’s also worth noting that there is some variation between Stampin’ Up! colors from product to product. For example, ink is typically darker than its coordinating cardstock by design — so that if you stamp or color on cardstock with the same color, it’s still visible. But don’t worry — all products with the same color name will still coordinate beautifully.

Colorfully Made visualizations do showcase colors, such as blacks, grays and whites that have official names, such as “Basic Black” and “White Willow.” However, they do not include generic color names, such as “black” (note the lowercase letter and single-word name) or “white.” They also do not include colors such as “gold” or “silver.” While you will find these colors listed in product descriptions, they are not considered official members of the Stampin’ Up! color family. It’s also important to note these colors may not be consistent over time (in other words, a “white” used in one product may be slightly different than a “white” used in another).