CNET Editors' review
Being able to match colors on Web pages is an important element of Web design. You may need to match a new page design to an existing one or create custom colors that don't mimic other popular sites. Either way, a color picker is an essential tool to have on hand. Color Cop offers a simple way to read color info, and it does so effectively and in an easy-to-use package.
Color Cop appears as a tiny box that floats on top of your Web page. You can minimize the box while you browse, but it stays on top of your viewing area when maximized. The interface includes an RGB value breakdown as well as its corresponding hexadecimal triplet value. Boxes display the colors as you hover over them with either the eyedropper tool or the magnifier. Despite Color Cop's simple appearance, it actually took us a minute or two to get the hang of it. To grab color values, simply click and drag on either tool to move it like a mouse as you hover over the areas of interest. We clicked on the eyedropper tool and as we moved it, the color values of our Web page appeared. Letting go of your mouse locks in the color. The program includes various options, which can be found by right-clicking on the interface. For example, you can change modes from HTML Hex to Delphi Hex, Visual C++ Hex, and more. You can also manage your sampling sizes and change out tools (a crosshair cursor is also available). We found the Help link by right-clicking on the interface, but it failed to launch.
This program downloads as a ZIP file. No installation is needed since it's accessible after extraction. Color Cop is as basic as it gets, but it gets the job done, and that's what counts. We recommend it for all users.
Publisher's Description
From Jay Prall:
Color Cop converts RGB decimal values to RGB hexadecimal triplets. It has a built-in color picker, color preview, auto copy to clipboard, and an eyedropper to choose colors from anywhere on the screen. Color Cop remembers the last screen position, the last color selected, the last mode (Delphi or HTML hex mode), auto on top, and auto-copy to clipboard options. It features an eyedropper, a magnifier, variable magnification levels, 3-by-3 and 5-by-5 average sampling, color history, and a 42-color complementary palette. Color Cop will convert RGB decimal values to hexadecimal color codes. It has color code support for HTML hex, Delphi hex, PowerBuilder, Visual Basic hex, and Visual C++ hex.
What's new in this version: Version 5.4.5 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.7 starsout of 46 votes
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Current version:
4.9 starsout of 10 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-10 of 10
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"Simple,works, I use it a lot!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Quick download and setup, easy to use, give both hex and rgb!
Cons
Non really, does what it supposed to do, no bugs so far!
Summary
I've been using this program quite a bit for over a month, I'm building client sites in SharePoint 2010, so I go to the client's web pages, grab their colors with Color Cop and easily set up the site themes. I don't need to get a converter (from RGB to Hex) - it shows me both formats on its tiny footprint interface.
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"Easy to use, super little program!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Small file size
Stays on top of the screen
Simple, easy to learnCons
There is nothing negative about it!
Summary
I love this little program for matching colors. You simply drag the eyedropper to the color you wish to match, and the hex code and RGB or CMYK values are displayed. You can change the color mode, depending on the type of project you are working on, print or web-based.
You can also mix a custom color, which comes in handy from time to time. Another way I have used it is to enter a known hex code to see what the color is, or to find a complimentary color or a darker or lighter value from the 42 complimentary colors palette.
This is a must-have for anyone who works—or plays with color. -
"Simple to install and use - most excellent!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Easy to download; quick to install; and simple to use ... provides both RGB and Hex codes ... magnify permits locating the color precisely ... 8 variables to choose from for color codes.
Performs exactly as advertised ... and the price is right!Cons
None that I can address at this time ... it's the first tool of its type I have used with consistency, and I have no complaints ... it just simply works.
Summary
It is a great tool for extracting exact color codes from websites one might find appealing in design and color combination. One enhancement I might recommend is the ability to name the colors once captured; there is the ability to add the color captured to a custom palette of colors, but for those of us who are color-coordinated-challenged, it might be nice to be able to name or otherwise label the colors that work well together or those that came from a partcularly pleasing website. I just wish half the software I own would fulfill the advertising and perform as consistently as Color Cop... it's a keeper.
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""Less Is More" revisited"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Tiny and oh so simple. Perfect match to its purpose.
Cons
None at all.
Summary
Could not be easier to use. No bloat, and accomplishes exactly what so many people need. Fuss free!
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"Utilize it most every day!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Ease of use, HTML color codes along with RGB and CYMK
Cons
No cons at all
Summary
Love this program - as a web designer I use it most everyday to pick specific colors off the web and off logos for inserting into my designs.
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"Greatest Color Picker"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Do not need to open a new window to pick the colors
Cons
None, It has no cons.
Summary
Great color picker and it will suit everyone,even web designers.
I am still using this color cop and never found no con. It is small but big on features. In my opinion, it is the best color picker to use in themes and designs.
Updated on May 5, 2011
Updated on May 5, 2011Best One.. -
"Great little Color Picking Program"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Simple, intuitive, with capabilities I haven't had the need to try
Cons
None that I've found
Summary
Great for matching colors from one "Program" to another. Great for maintaining theme and brand consistency - and its a free download!
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"THE BEST!!!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Easy to download; easy to use; accurate; perfect for my needs.
Cons
No negatives to report.
Summary
I would encourage anyone using Constant Contact to "grab" Color Cop on the instant. Makes life just that much easier.
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"Hands-down the Best, Easiest-to use color finder ever!"
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Easy to use the eyedropper in ANY program. Many different options to provide what one needs in easy formatting.
Cons
None that I can think of
Summary
Have been using it for years in MANY different programs to get colors "right". It's part of the "core" programs always installed on any of my computers. Have tried others & definitely prefer Color Cop!
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"Great easy to use produce."
Version: Color Cop 5.4.5
Pros
Makes life very easy when trying to match an existing color
Cons
None at this time. Just started using this updated version.
Summary
A must get produce!
Results 1-10 of 10
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