Pantone launches new AI tool to create custom colour palettes
Global colour consultancy Pantone_ which provides trend forecasting and digital solutions for the design community_ has teamed up with Microsoft to launch its first AI-driven product experience utilising its decades of colour research to create custom colour palettes.
The Pantone Palette Generator_ a new beta feature in Pantone Connect_ integrates Pantone_s 60 years of research into colour science with modern generative AI to offer a chat-based interface for designers that streamlines colour decision-making.
The AI tool_ built entirely on Microsoft_s Azure OpenAI and AI Foundry stack_ has been designed to help users expedite the research and inspiration phase of design_ by exploring colour palettes_ leveraging trend forecasting data and generating design concepts within Pantone Connect.
With the Palette Generator_ designers can explore_ generate_ and refine colour palettes_ and create custom palettes drawing from thousands of colours from Pantone_s vast colour library in seconds.
The generator is easy to use_ and for the first time_ allows creatives to prompt Pantone directly inside Connect with questions such as “Show me colours that evoke optimism in Gen Z” or “Build a palette inspired by 1970s fashion editorials” and receive palette suggestions grounded in Pantone Color Institute_s proprietary forecasting data.
Sky Kelley_ president at Pantone_ said in a statement: “For over 60 years_ Pantone has empowered creatives to confidently make colour-critical decisions throughout their design process.
“By collaborating with Microsoft_ we wanted to create a tool that helps jumpstart the research_ discovery_ and inspiration phase of the design process—allowing designers to integrate colour and trend data efficiently as they bring their visions to life.”
The Palette Generator currently supports Pantone_s fashion_ home and interiors library with plans to expand to its full library in the near future. User-generated palettes can be added directly to Pantone Connect with the ability to analyse_ download and share for collaborative design workflows_ which Pantone states will “save hours of research while inspiring creative exploration”.
Looking ahead_ users will also be able to leverage Palette Generator to incorporate palettes around the upcoming Pantone Colour of the Year 2026_ which will be announced in early December_ as well as the inclusion of all past Pantone Colour of the Years.
Deb Cupp_ president and chief revenue officer_ global enterprise sales at Microsoft_ added: “Pantone is demonstrating what it looks like to use AI in a transformational way_ reimagining an industry historically rooted in physical design.
“Together_ we_re not just accelerating design workflows with Azure OpenAI_ we're showcasing how AI can unlock new levels of creativity_ productivity_ and innovation across every industry.”