We already know how to choose a color using the Swatches palette. Unfortunately, the range of choice in it is very narrow - only 256 colors - and we (the masters of canvas and brush by now) may need some special paint. So, what about other colors? It may be a very simple task if you can find the required color on your picture.

§ 1. Open an image to your choice.

§ 2. From the Toolbox, select the Eyedropper Tool.

§ 3. Find a color on the image that you'd like to paint with and click it with the Eyedropper. Now look at the Foreground Color box (the upper square at the bottom of the Toolbox) - its color has been changed. Now you may activate the Brush Tool and paint with the selected color.

§ 4. While working with the Brush or some other painting tool, you may temporarily activate the Eyedropper by holding down [Alt] key. Once the required color is selected, release the [Alt] key and continue painting. Very often, however, we are not completely satisfied with the colors either presented in the Swatches palette or defined with the Eyedropper. Use the Color Picker dialog to customize the color.

§ 5. Click on the Foreground Color box to call the Color Picker. There is a number of ways to define a color with this tool.The movie shows only one example.

§ 6. Click within the color field to define the most suitable color. If you can't see the required color in the color field, click "H" (hue), "S" (saturation) or "B" (brightness) radio button to change the color field scheme.

§ 7. If necessary, fine-tune the color hue (radio button H), saturation (S), or brightness (B) by moving the vertical slider.

§ 8. When satisfied, click "OK" to apply your choice.