You have been hired to build a website for a brand that has existing materials (a logo, business cards, maybe a PDF brand guide) but no documented color system. Here is how to reverse-engineer a production-ready palette using PaletteRx.
Step 1: Extract from the Source
If the brand has an existing website, paste the URL into PaletteRx. If they only have print materials, use the eyedropper tool to pick colors directly from images or PDFs open on your screen. If they have a brand guide PDF, look for the hex codes listed in it and type them directly.
Step 2: Identify the Core Brand Colors
Most brands have 2 to 4 core colors. These are the ones that appear on the logo, primary marketing materials, and key touchpoints. Add these first. They will be your Primary and possibly Supporting colors.
Step 3: Fill the Gaps
Brand guides rarely include base colors because these are assumed. Add a light base that feels right for the brand (warm white for warm brands, cool white for cool brands) and a dark base. Use PaletteRx's Smart Suggestions to find supporting colors that harmonize with the brand core.
Step 4: Validate
Run through Steps 2 through 4 in PaletteRx: check balance, verify WCAG compliance, and assign roles. The brand's original colors might have accessibility issues. This is your chance to catch them before they reach production.
Step 5: Present and Export
Use the Live Preview to show the client "here is your site with these colors." Once approved, export to your builder of choice.