> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/color.md).

# Color

There are 3 main uses for color in a visualization:

* Patterns
* Labeling
* Highlighting

We encode **quantities** with color to visualize **patterns** in the data. **Segmentation** and **heat maps** are popular examples for this.

Color can also be used to **label** or **group** items together.

**Highlighting** is used to allow the viewer to **focus** on a specific part of the visualization. For example, highlighting a certain line in a line chart that has multiple lines.

This section deals with 3 aspects of color in visualization:

1. Color Perception
2. Color Specification
3. Color Use