colormanual

A colormanual is a document that specifies how color is used across an organization's visual materials to ensure consistency, recognizability, and brand integrity. It may be a standalone document, or part of broader brand guidelines, a design system, or a digital style guide.

A typical colormanual defines the color palette, including primary, secondary, and neutral colors, and provides standardized color values for both digital and print contexts. Values are commonly listed in HEX and RGB for screens, and CMYK and Pantone references for production. The manual also explains color usage rules, such as which palette to apply in logos, headlines, backgrounds, and UI elements, and how colors interact with typography, imagery, and accessibility considerations.

Accessibility, readability, and inclusivity are central in many colormanuals. Guidelines cover contrast ratios, color-blind accessibility, and the avoidance of color as the sole carrier of information. The document may include examples of compliant palettes, do/don't scenarios, and recommended contrast testing methods.

Governance and lifecycle are also described: who maintains the manual, how updates are approved, and how new colors or components are added. It may be distributed as a printable document, a digital wiki page, or as part of a design system repository, with versioning and implementation notes for designers, developers, and marketers.

Variations include calling it a color style guide, color guidelines, or brand color manual; some organizations differentiate between brand and product color needs. The term colormanual itself is a concise coinage combining color and manual.