Chroma

iaian7 » code » dashboard   John Einselen, 13.09.09 (updated 12.10.09)    

Chroma is an OS X Dashboard utility for converting colours between HSV, RGB, and HEX formats. Favourites can be saved to the swatch library, and even synced across systems using Dropbox (or similar folder sync service).

Deepest apologies! Version 1.7 broke the most basic of Chroma’s functionality – translating colour values. Version 1.9.7 is now fixed, along with updated usability when modifying values with the up/down arrow keys!

When first starting up, Chroma will alert the absence of a library file and ask you to specify a library location in the preferences panel. The default is set up to use ~/Library/Preferences/, but you can just as easily use ~/Dropbox/ for cross-computer syncing via Dropbox (if you don’t have an account, you can get 2Gb free by visiting getdropbox.com). This location input can point to any valid folder structure, including ones managed by SugarSync, LiveMesh, or other services.

Library swatches can be sent to the main editing area by clicking on the arrow over the colour sample, or deleted by clicking on the minus sign on the far right hand side. Clicking on any value in a library swatch copies the data to your system clipboard.

Editing a library entry is easily done by clicking the colour sample (moving the data to the editing area), and clicking the delete icon to remove the old swatch. Once you’re done changing values, click the plus sign (large colour swatch), and the correct group and swatch name will already be filled in. Click save to re-enter it into the library.

Because the library collection is stored in a plain text file, manual editing is also possible. If the library file is deleted, it will automatically regenerate using the original demo colour samples. It’s recommended to keep the library backed up elsewhere to prevent accidental deletion of any important swatches.

Download

Chroma version 2.1 (by clicking the download link, you signify your acceptance of the following agreement, or something like that)

This application is freeware, to be used and abused however you like. However, the author(s) assume absolutely no liability, and the software is offered with no warranty or quality assurance. And heaven forbid you use it in the operation of nuclear war facilities (a warning found in so many application EULA agreements, I honestly wonder how exactly someone is supposed to use a paint by numbers application in the operation of warheads). In short, use at your own risk, and don’t blame me if your cat develops leukemia. It’s fairly certain to be an unrelated event.

Known Issues

Depending on the mac, the Dashboard command line access occasionally truncates returned data to 4096 bytes. Chroma 1.9 introduced extended input capabilities to support larger library collections, and version 1.9.5 implements a failsafe to prevent library corruption in case the extended input is unable to get the full contents of a file. If your system erroneously reports a 4096 byte file, Chroma will automatically warn you of the error, and request to reload the library.

Version History

2.1 — saves scroll position when adding, removing, and reloading library swatches
2.0 — adds group titles and swatch display options, various UI updates
1.9.9 — adds group and name validation (must contain letters)
1.9.7 — fixes broken HSV/RGB/HEX translation and updates arrow key behavior
1.9.5 — adds failsafe for 4096 byte truncation and improved error catching
1.9 — fixes long library truncation
1.8 — revises library format to list group and name first
1.7.5 — fixes errors encountered with non-standard library entries
1.7 — adds expandable library area and better directory/file support
1.6.5 — removes HEX hashtag from stored values and copy/paste
1.6 — fixes errors with selecting existing libraries
1.5.5 — fixes HEX output (2-digit pairs), button visibility, and default location
1.5 — fixes empty library errors, display issues, and clarifies first install
1.4 — updates images, add, remove, and other library management functions
1.3 — adds library functions (major release update)
1.2 — improves event handling and input processing
1.1 — implements conversion code and formatting
1.0 — initial release

Support

Support is not technically available, but you can still send suggestions and questions via the contact form  (if you don’t mind my slow-or-never responses), non-support comments can be left below.


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