How do I pick colours from the Reference view?

About vector and bitmap Reference view images

The type of reference image you import into the Reference view will determine the import and colour picking processes. The differences are detailed below:

Using vector images in the Reference view:

• Can be loaded into the Reference view by pulling the layer directly into the view, or by pulling in a template of the vector artwork from the library. See How to Create and Use Templates for more information.
• Colour palettes will not automatically be loaded and will have to be linked before colours can be picked.

Using bitmap images in the Reference view:

• Can be loaded into the Reference view by using the Import References button in the Reference view toolbar, or by dragging the image in from a browser.
• Colours cannot be picked from the bitmap image unless a bitmap layer is selected, or the Colour Picker window is being used.

To read more about importing images into the Reference view, see How do I import images into the Reference view?

Option 1: Picking colours from a vector reference image

To pick from a Harmony vector image in the Reference view, we will have to link the palette of the image. Use these instructions if you want to pick colours from Harmony-made vector images in the Reference view.

1. In the Colour view, select the Menu button.
2. Select Palettes > Link to External.
3. The Link to External Palette window appears:

4. Select the Browse button and locate the palette (.plt) file. It should be in the same directory as the vector file.
5. In the Palette list option, choose if the palette will be a Scene Palette List or Element Palette list.
6. Select OK.
7. In the Colour view, the linked palette will appear.

8. In the Reference View, select the Eyedropper tool from the toolbar.

9. Pick the colours from the reference image. This will automatically pick the corresponding swatch in the Colour view.
10. If you have multiple vector reference images, make sure to link all relevant palettes.

Option 2: Picking colours from a bitmap reference image

Use these instructions if you want to pick colours from bitmap images in the Reference view.

1. Make sure to select or create a bitmap layer.
2. In the Reference View, select the Eyedropper tool from the toolbar.

3. Pick the colours from the reference image. This will automatically pick the corresponding colour in the Colour view.