ColorSpace
Upload Marker Database
Marker data import

Sync your marker database with ColorSpace.

Upload ColorSpace-formatted JSON exports to keep the matcher, palette generator, and education tools aligned with the markers you actually own.

ColorSpace JSON

Preferred format

Images + swatches structure

Automatic validation

Structure checks

Clear feedback on mismatched fields

Instant availability

Markers view

Redirects to your collection on success

Pre-import checklist

Confirm your export matches the expected ColorSpace JSON schema before uploading.

✔ Export from ColorSpace or another tool that preserves the images → swatches structure.

✔ Include marker identifiers (name, brand, set, code) for each swatch entry.

✔ Keep LAB and HEX values untouched to avoid rounding differences in downstream tools.

✔ Remove unused metadata or oversized attachments to keep uploads under 10 MB.

Upload marker database

Drag and drop your ColorSpace JSON export; we'll validate the schema and sync markers instantly.

Upload Marker Database

Upload your marker swatch database JSON file to start using ColorSpace.

Database Requirements

Your JSON file should contain the marker swatch data with the following structure:

{
  "processing_timestamp": "...",
  "total_images_processed": 11,
  "total_swatches": 524,
  "images": [
    {
      "extracted_title": "...",
      "swatches": [
        {
          "swatch_id": 1,
          "marker_code": "Y121",
          "marker_name": "Primrose",
          "brand": "Ohuhu",
          "set": "104-color Marker Set",
          "color_values": {
            "average_hex": "#eef0e5",
            "average_rgb": [238, 240, 229],
            ...
          },
          ...
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

The system will extract marker information including codes, names, brands, and color values.

Select your JSON file

Click the button below to browse for your marker database export.

After import

Your tools refresh automatically

We index every marker, reconcile duplicates, and expose the data everywhere--Color Matcher, palette export, and education modules.

Structured ingestion -- brand, set, pigment codes, and LAB values stay queryable.

Automatic deduplication -- we merge identical swatches so your library stays clean.

Integrity reports -- missing fields or malformed values surface before they reach production.

Tip: Keep separate JSON exports per collection or brand to speed up future updates and rollbacks.
About Database Upload

Import Your Custom Marker Collection

Upload your own marker color database to use with ColorSpace's harmony engine. Import CSV or JSON files containing your marker collection's LAB-measured colors, brand names, codes, and set information. Once uploaded, your custom database powers all ColorSpace tools including marker browsing, color matching, and harmony generation.

Multiple Formats

Upload databases in CSV, JSON, or Excel formats. ColorSpace automatically detects your file format and validates marker data including LAB values, RGB colors, marker codes, and brand information.

ColorBase Integration

Export databases directly from ColorBase marker scanning software. ColorBase captures LAB-accurate measurements from physical swatches, creating production-ready databases optimized for ColorSpace.

Instant Validation

ColorSpace validates your database on upload, checking for required fields, LAB value ranges, and data format consistency. Get immediate feedback if any markers need correction before using your database.

How to Upload

Importing Your Marker Database

1

Prepare Your Database File

Format your marker data in CSV or JSON with required fields: marker code, name, brand, LAB values (L, A, B), and optionally RGB values, set information, and HSV coordinates. Each marker should be on its own row or object.

2

Upload and Validate

Select your database file and upload it to ColorSpace. The system validates your data, checking LAB value ranges (L: 0-100, A: -128 to 127, B: -128 to 127) and required field presence. You'll see a validation report with any warnings or errors to address.

3

Use Your Custom Collection

Once validated, your database becomes available across all ColorSpace tools. Browse your markers in theMarker Collection, match colors with Color Matcher, and generate harmonies using your exact marker inventory.

Data Quality Guide

Understanding Database Accuracy

The accuracy of your marker data directly affects how well ColorSpace generates harmonies. Here's what you need to know about database quality levels.

What is ColorBase?

ColorBase is our companion tool that photographs your physical marker swatches and measures their exact colors using computer vision and color science. Think of it as a specialized scanner that captures how your markers actually look on paper--not estimates from the internet or manufacturer specifications.

ColorBase outputs professional-grade marker databases with LAB-measured values, creating the most accurate foundation for ColorSpace's harmony calculations.

Best

ColorBase-Generated Database

Professional accuracy from physical measurements

LAB values measured directly from physical swatches
RGB captured from actual ink on paper
Quality metrics validate measurement accuracy
Maximum harmony accuracy - colors work exactly as predicted

This is what the demo database uses. ColorBase will be available soon for creating your own professional databases.

Recommended

Manual Database with LAB Values

Good accuracy with measured color data

LAB values from spectrophotometer or calibrated scanner
Marker names, codes, and brand for identification
Harmonies accurate to measured physical colors

Required fields: marker_name, marker_code, brand, hex, measured color values

Minimum

Basic Database with Hex Only

Works, but lower accuracy

Hex color codes (may be estimated or from manufacturer specs)
Marker identification (name, code, brand)
Engine converts hex→LAB (introduces conversion error)
Harmonies may not match physical marker performance

Required fields: marker_name, marker_code, brand, hex

Why Measured Data Matters

Other palette generators use estimated hex codes from the internet. These estimates often don't match how markers actually look on paper. When you use those palettes, the colors don't work together like they showed on screen.

ColorSpace uses LAB color space - a perceptually uniform system that matches human vision. When you provide LAB-measured values (especially from ColorBase), the harmonies ColorSpace generates will work exactly as predicted in your physical artwork.

Think of it this way: Would you rather follow a recipe with estimated ingredient amounts, or precise measurements? The same principle applies to color harmonies.

Learn More

Related Resources

Learn how to create accurate marker databases with ColorBase

Building ColorBase Datasets

Step-by-step guidance for preparing scans, calibrating lighting, and exporting ColorBase datasets.

8 min read

Preparing Marker Swatches

Learn how to prep and scan marker swatch cards for accurate ColorBase color capture.

6 min read

Physical to Digital Pipeline

Understand the computer vision pipeline that converts physical swatches into digital color data.

10 min read

Building Marker Palettes

Workflow for creating balanced alcohol marker palettes from custom databases.

7 min read
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What file formats are supported?

ColorSpace accepts CSV, JSON, and Excel (.xlsx) files. Your file should contain columns or fields for marker code, name, brand, and LAB color values (L, A, B). Optional fields include RGB values, set names, HSV coordinates, and marker descriptions. Download a template file from the upload page for reference.

How accurate do LAB values need to be?

LAB values should be measured from physical marker swatches using calibrated color measurement tools like ColorBase, spectrophotometers, or calibrated scanners. Accuracy matters for color matching and harmony generation. Values converted from manufacturer RGB specifications are less accurate than direct LAB measurements.

Can I update my database after uploading?

Yes! Upload a new version of your database at any time. ColorSpace replaces the previous version and re-validates all marker data. This lets you add new markers, correct color values, or reorganize sets as your collection grows. Your database is stored locally in your browser session.

What is ColorBase and should I use it?

ColorBase is ColorSpace's companion tool for photographing and measuring physical marker swatches. It captures LAB-accurate color values directly from swatch cards using computer vision and color calibration. If you're building a custom database from your own markers, ColorBase provides the most accurate LAB measurements for ColorSpace harmony generation.