Select an object to apply color.
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Learn the basics
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Learn the basics
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Draw shapes and paths
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Draw shapes
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Select objects
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Learn painting basics
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Learn painting basics
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Manage colors
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Select and adjust colors
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- Select colors using the Eyedropper and Color Picker tool
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Use swatches
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Modify colors
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Apply transparency and blending
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Design with text
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Add and manage text
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Edit and format text
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Use special characters and glyphs
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Select colors using the Eyedropper and Color Picker tool
Last updated on
May 12, 2026
Learn how to use the Eyedropper and Color Picker tools in Illustrator to select, modify, or sample colors.
You can select and apply colors in Illustrator using both the Eyedropper and the Color Picker tools. The Eyedropper tool lets you pick a color from existing artwork or an image, such as sampling a color from a logo or photo. The Color Picker tool lets you choose colors visually by entering exact values or selecting colors from the spectrum, sliders, or swatches.
Learn how to use the Eyedropper tool and Color Picker tool in Adobe Illustrator, and understand the key differences between them.
Select the Eyedropper tool from the Tools panel or press I.
Select a color from artwork or an image to sample it. Hold Shift to use the Sampling Ring for more precise selection.
Double-Click Fill or Stroke in the Tools panel to access the Color Picker dialog box.
Select a color in one of the following ways:
- Select and drag the circular color marker within the Select Color column.
- Drag the color slider or select a color inside the Color spectrum bar
- Enter HSB, RGB, or CMYK values manually in the text boxes.
- Select Color Swatches, and then choose a swatch from the Color Swatches column.
- Select the Color Picker tool and move your cursor to the area you want to sample. A Sampling Ring with a color preview appears. The top half of the ring shows the color that will be sampled, while the bottom half shows the last sampled color. Alternatively, you can also hold Shift with the Eyedropper tool to view the Sampling Ring.
Select OK to apply the selected color to your object.
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