Palette Explorer
Browse a hand-picked library of retro pixel-art palettes — copy the hex list, export a GIMP .GPL file, or click any color to grab its hex. There's also a live WCAG contrast checker for readable UI text. It's free, runs in your browser, and nothing uploads.
WCAG Contrast
How to use the Palette Explorer
- Search or filter. Type a name (like
picoorsunset) or tap a size chip (4, 8, 16 or 32 colors) to narrow the library. - Grab colors. Click any color bar to copy its hex code to your clipboard — handy while drawing in the Pixel Art Editor.
- Copy the whole set. Hit
Copy allto put the full comma-separated hex list on your clipboard. - Export for your editor. Click
Export .GPLto download a GIMP palette file that imports into GIMP, Krita and Aseprite. - Check readability. Set a foreground and background in the contrast checker to see the WCAG ratio and whether it passes AA/AAA for normal and large text.
Picking a palette that reads well
A tight retro palette keeps pixel art cohesive, but the same colors also drive your UI, HUD and menu text. Small palettes such as the four-tone Game Boy DMG greens or a strict 1-bit monochrome pair force strong shape-first design, while richer 16- and 32-color sets like PICO-8, Sweetie 16 and Nord give you room for shading ramps and mood. Whichever you choose, run your text and background through the contrast checker: the ratio is calculated from sRGB relative luminance exactly as the WCAG spec defines it, so a passing score here means the same in any accessibility audit. Aim for at least 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large headings, and remember that a beautiful hue pairing can still fail contrast — pick your accents for readability first, then style. Every palette here is free to copy and export, and nothing you do leaves your browser.
Are these retro palettes free to use in my game?
Yes. Copy any hex list or export a GIMP .GPL file and use it in your own pixel-art and game projects for free. Palettes named after specific consoles are recreated from their well-known hex values; the original palettes on this page are made for PixelCraft Bench.
What is a WCAG contrast ratio and what score do I need?
The contrast ratio compares the relative luminance of two colors on a scale from 1:1 to 21:1. For readable UI text, aim for at least 4.5:1 (WCAG AA for normal text) or 3:1 for large text. AAA is stricter at 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
What is a .GPL file and where can I use it?
A .GPL file is the GIMP palette format — a plain-text list of RGB values. It imports directly into GIMP, Krita, Aseprite and many other pixel-art editors so you can paint straight from the palette.
Does anything get uploaded when I use this tool?
No. The Palette Explorer runs entirely in your browser. Palettes, copies, exports and contrast calculations all happen on your device — nothing is sent to a server.