# Color picker The color picker gives a task a color, two ways: a quick pick from a named palette, or a full custom color when you want an exact shade. A task's color makes it stand out on its chips and across views, so a glance tells you what it is. The `taskColor` field is property type **Text**: it stores a hex color, written without the leading `#`, like `4987a7`. The picker handles that format for you. See [Inline task syntax](/docs/docs-012-inline-task-syntax/). > **MEDIA-DOCS-067-1:** The color picker showing the 28 named palette swatches above the full custom color area. ## Pick from the palette The fastest path is the **palette**: a fixed grid of **28 named color slots** that you curate once and reuse everywhere. Each slot has both a **name** and a **hex**, and both are yours to change. Rename `Teal` to `Client A`, swap a slot's hex for your brand color, and your names and colors appear in the picker from then on. You can even find a color by typing its name, so a well-named palette doubles as a search. Because the palette is shared, the same swatches are one click away wherever a color is set, which keeps your whole system visually consistent. The 28 slots can be reset to Operon's defaults at any time. ## Or choose any color When the palette is not enough, the picker opens a **full custom color**: a hue and shade area that lets you dial in any color, with its hex value. Use it for a one-off color or to add a new shade. Whatever you choose is stored as the same hex text, so a palette color and a custom color are the same kind of value underneath. ### Type a HEX value directly You can also type or paste a HEX value into the picker search field, with or without the leading `#`, for example `#4987A7` or `4987a7`. Operon previews the typed color, matches a palette slot when the HEX already exists there, and still stores the task value without the leading `#`. > **MEDIA-DOCS-067-2:** The custom color area, choosing a hue and shade with the hex value shown. ![MEDIA-DOCS-067-2 - The custom color area, choosing a hue and shade with the hex value shown](/assets/docs/media/MEDIA-DOCS-067-2.png?v=91b7d53c58ba) ## Removing a color A **Clear** action removes the color, returning the task to its default appearance. A task with no color of its own can also borrow one from its parent for display. See [Operon inheritance rules](/docs/docs-058-operon-inheritance-rules/). ## Where the color shows A task's color appears on its [chips](/docs/docs-041-task-chips-display-and-behavior/) and markers, and the [Calendar](/docs/docs-029-calendar-presets-and-time-grid/) can color blocks by task color. Pair color with an [icon](/docs/docs-066-icon-picker/) to make a task or a category unmistakable. ## FAQ **Palette or custom color, which should I use?** The palette for consistency and speed, the custom color when you need an exact or one-off shade. Both store the same hex value. **What does the field store?** A hex color without the `#`, like `4987a7`. **How do I remove a color?** Use Clear. The task returns to its default look, or borrows a color from its parent if it has one. **Can I rename the palette colors?** Yes. Each of the 28 slots has an editable name and hex, and your changes show in the picker. Naming them for your system (for example `Client A`) also lets you find them by typing. ## Settings The 28-slot named palette is configured in **Settings → Operon → Interface → Color Palette**, where you edit each slot's **name** and **hex**, and can reset all 28 to the Operon defaults. Your changes appear in every color picker. ## Related - [Operon Docs MOC](/docs/docs-001-operon-docs-moc/)