General Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ColorSnap Match?

The ColorSnap Match is a revolutionary color-matching system that uses a color scanning device that links to an app to scan and accurately match colors to Sherwin Williams colors.

Does ColorSnap Match require an internet connection to work?

The ColorSnap Match itself does not require an internet connection, the smart device that it is connected to does require connection in order to search the color libraries selected.

Why does the color I scanned look different than what’s on the screen?

Screen resolution varies from device to device. The color scanned and the represented product results are accurate based on our scanning algorithm even though visual representation on the screen may seem “off."

Why can’t I use the camera on my smart device?

The challenge with phone cameras is they don't account for shadows, bright lights or direct sunlight.

Cameras capture colors with Red, Green, and Blue detectors but human eyes see color differently than camera detectors.

The ColorSnap Match has its own controlled light source and can read the color you're scanning accurately.

Connecting Your ColorSnap Match

How do I connect the ColorSnap Match to my smart device?

1. Open the ColorSnap Match App.
2. Turn on your ColorSnap Match by pressing the button on the back of the device.
3. For iOS, press the round button at the bottom of the screen that says ‘connect device’. For Android, press the blue button in the bottom right corner of the screen that says 'connect device'.
4. When prompted, press the button on the back of the ColorSnap Match again, then once more when your device indicates.
5. You will be prompted to calibrate your ColorSnap Match.
6. Last, press the button that says ‘calibrate’ to complete calibration of your device.
7. Congratulations! You are now ready to use your ColorSnap Match.

Scanning Colors

How do I scan colors?

To scan, make sure your device is linked to your smartphone or tablet.

Place the device flat against a clean surface or color sample and trigger the scan from your smart device by pressing the round “scan” button in the app.

How do I calibrate my device?

Calibration will be prompted at every device/app connection and can be manually triggered from the Manage Device screen in the app.

Calibrate prior to each scan for the highest degree of accuracy. After calibration is complete, remove the end cap, place it on the back of your device, and then you're ready to scan.

Protective calibration cap - When not using your ColorSnap Match, keep the calibration cap attached to the device for lens protection.

Hardware Questions

How do I turn on my device?

Press the button on the back of the device once to power on the device.

How do I turn off my device?

The ColorSnap Match shuts off automatically after 20-30 seconds.

What do the blue LED flashes mean on the ColorSnap Match?

Slow pulsing means the device is ready to connect over Bluetooth to your smart device.

Fast pulsing means the device has connected to your smart device and is waiting for confirmation (by pressing the device button again).

How long will the ColorSnap Match battery last?

Depending on your amount of use, the ColorSnap Match battery will last over 5,000 scans without needing a charge. To fully charge, plug in the ColorSnap Match for about 45 minutes with any micro USB cable.

How do I check the battery level?

The settings menu in our apps will show the battery level as a voltage amount. Full charge is 3.9.

How do I charge my ColorSnap Match?

Use any micro USB cable to charge your ColorSnap Match device. For best results plug into wall outlet.

What is the warranty?

Each ColorSnap Match comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defect.

Does ColorSnap Match require an internet connection to work?

The ColorSnap Match itself does not require an internet connection, the smart device that it is connected to does require connection in order to search the color libraries selected.

On what platforms is the app available?

The ColorSnap Match app is available for Android & iOS.

Technical Specifications

How accurate is the ColorSnap Match?

• 90%+ match on fan decks
• Short-Term Repeatability is less than 0.1 ΔE (CIE2000)
• Inter-Instrument Agreement is less than 0.3 ΔE (CIE2000)

What are the measurements of the ColorSnap Match?

• 4mm diameter area
• 45/0 measuring optics
• 2 deg. std. observer
• White calibration cap

What kind of technology does the ColorSnap Match use?

• Tri-stimulus XYZ sensor
• Full spectrum white LEDs
• Patented and patent pending color algorithms

What color formats are available on the ColorSnap Match?

• CIE Lab
• LCH
• sRGB
• HEX
• and more

What devices are compatible with the ColorSnap Match?

• iPhone 5 or newer
• iPad 3rd gen or newer
• Android 5.0 or newer
• must have Bluetooth 4.X

What is the battery life of my ColorSnap Match?

• 280 mAh lithium-polymer
• Over 5,000 scans
• 3 months standby time
• Micro USB charging

What is the weight and size of the ColorSnap Match?

• 1.08 inch / 27.5mm diameter
• 2.17 inch / 55mm tall
• 1 oz / 29g weight

What is the connectivity of the ColorSnap match?

• Bluetooth 4.1
• USB

Delta E

What is Delta E?

For people who work in color management, the term delta E probably has come up many times. However, most other people wonder, what is delta E?

Delta E is a unit of measurement for color difference perceived by humans. The E stands for Empfindung; German for “sensation”. The scale goes from 0 to 100 with 0 meaning no color difference and 100 being the greatest color difference possible. Delta E has evolved quite a bit over the last four decades. It started as a simple mathematical calculation to later a calculation that incorporates adjustments to account for variations in a human’s ability to perceive color differences in different color regions. In the most modern delta E standards (delta E CMC, 2000), a delta E of less than 1.0 is not perceivable by most humans. People who either have superior color vision or have received specific training can perceive color differences down to 0.6 delta E.

What do all of these numbers mean? Well, let's see it visually:

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