How to copy colors with the Color Picker tool in PowerToys

If you work with design, development, or any kind of visual content, grabbing the exact color from your screen can save time and ensure consistency. That’s where PowerToys’ Color Picker comes in handy—a simple but powerful tool that lets you copy colors instantly from anywhere on your screen.

What is PowerToys Color Picker?

Color Picker is a free utility in Microsoft PowerToys, a set of tools that extend the capabilities of Windows. Once enabled, it allows you to identify and copy the color code of any pixel you hover over, whether it’s on a website, image, UI element, or anywhere else on your screen.

How to Enable and Use Color Picker

1. Install PowerToys
   • Download PowerToys from the official GitHub page or the Microsoft Store.
   • Install and launch PowerToys.
2. Enable Color Picker
   • In the PowerToys interface, go to the Color Picker section.
   • Toggle the switch to turn it on.
3. Use the Shortcut to Pick a Color
   • Press Win + Shift + C to activate the picker.
   • Your cursor will change. Hover over any pixel on your screen.
   • Click to copy the color code (default is HEX) to your clipboard.
4. Explore the Editor (Optional)
   • After clicking, the Color Picker editor opens.
   • It shows variations of the color and lets you copy in other formats like RGB, HSL, or CMYK.
   • You can also view a history of recently picked colors.

Pro Tips

• You can customize the shortcut keys in the PowerToys settings.
• Choose your preferred color format (HEX, RGB, etc.) as the default output.
• Use the history feature to revisit colors you picked earlier in your session.

Why Use It?

PowerToys Color Picker is lightweight, fast, and integrates seamlessly into Windows. Whether you’re designing a website, editing a document, or matching UI colors, it’s one of the quickest ways to grab the exact shade you need without opening any external tools.