How Can I Generate a Large Set of Visually Distinct Colors?

Automatically Generating Distinct Colors

When generating a large number of colors, finding means to ensure they are visually different can be challenging. Exploring existing approaches is essential.

Uniform Subdivision of RGB Cube:

This method divides the RGB cube into discrete sections and selects colors from those areas. It can produce a progressive scale, but for large numbers, colors may appear similar.

Using Predefined Lists:

Color lists such as Boynton's or Kelly's provide preselected colors with high contrast, eliminating the need for algorithms.

Algorithm-Based Methods:

Various algorithms have been developed to select distinct colors. These include:

• Color displays for categorical images: Provides a palette of 11 colors distinguishable to viewers with color vision deficiencies.
• A WEB SERVICE TO PERSONALISE MAP COLOURING: Offers a web service to generate custom color sets.
• An Algorithm for the Selection of High-Contrast Color Sets: Proposes an algorithm for finding contrasting colors.
• High-contrast sets of colors: Introduces the first algorithm for this problem.

Converting to RGB:

If colors are not specified in RGB format, you may need to convert them using resources like:

• http://chem8.org/uch/space-55036-do-blog-id-5333.html
• https://metacpan.org/pod/Color::Library::Dictionary::NBS_ISCC
• Color Theory: How to convert Munsell HVC to RGB/HSB/HSL

Code Examples:

C# code for Boynton's optimized list:

public static readonly List<Color> _boyntonOptimized = new List<Color>
{
    Color.FromArgb(0, 0, 255),      //Blue
    Color.FromArgb(255, 0, 0),      //Red
    Color.FromArgb(0, 255, 0),      //Green
    Color.FromArgb(255, 255, 0),    //Yellow
    Color.FromArgb(255, 0, 255),    //Magenta
    Color.FromArgb(255, 128, 128),  //Pink
    Color.FromArgb(128, 128, 128),  //Gray
    Color.FromArgb(128, 0, 0),      //Brown
    Color.FromArgb(255, 128, 0),    //Orange
};

JavaFX code for Kelly's colors:

private static final Color[] KELLY_COLORS = {
    Color.web("0xFFB300"),    // Vivid Yellow
    Color.web("0x803E75"),    // Strong Purple
    Color.web("0xFF6800"),    // Vivid Orange
    Color.web("0xA6BDD7"),    // Very Light Blue
    Color.web("0xC10020"),    // Vivid Red
    Color.web("0xCEA262"),    // Grayish Yellow
    Color.web("0x817066"),    // Medium Gray

    Color.web("0x007D34"),    // Vivid Green
    Color.web("0xF6768E"),    // Strong Purplish Pink
    Color.web("0x00538A"),    // Strong Blue
    Color.web("0xFF7A5C"),    // Strong Yellowish Pink
    Color.web("0x53377A"),    // Strong Violet
    Color.web("0xFF8E00"),    // Vivid Orange Yellow
    Color.web("0xB32851"),    // Strong Purplish Red
    Color.web("0xF4C800"),    // Vivid Greenish Yellow
    Color.web("0x7F180D"),    // Strong Reddish Brown
    Color.web("0x93AA00"),    // Vivid Yellowish Green
    Color.web("0x593315"),    // Deep Yellowish Brown
    Color.web("0xF13A13"),    // Vivid Reddish Orange
    Color.web("0x232C16"),    // Dark Olive Green
};

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