Pantone and Microsoft have joined forces to launch the Pantone Palette Generator, a new AI-powered conversational tool that transforms the way designers create color palettes. Powered by Azure OpenAI, the solution is integrated into the Pantone Connect platform, available for browser, mobile apps, and as an extension for Adobe Creative Cloud.
The new functionality, in open beta for all Pantone Connect users (including free accounts), allows you to generate instant color combinations from natural language instructions, such as “optimistic colors for Generation Z” either “palettes inspired by fashion editorials from the 70s”. The system returns proposals backed by decades of research from the Pantone Color Institute, including color psychology and global trend forecasts.
“We wanted to create a tool that would help drive the discovery and inspiration phase of the design process”explains Sky Kelley, President of Pantone, in a statement. “This allows creatives to efficiently integrate color data and trends while bringing their visions to life.”
In addition to generating custom palettes, the tool displays the reference articles used to construct each suggestion, reinforcing transparency, contextual learning, and connection to the editorial work of the Pantone Color Institute. This represents a notable advancement in creative workflows, traditionally marked by manual processes of research and visual exploration.
“Pantone demonstrates what it means to lead with AI in an industry historically tied to physical design”says Kathleen Mitford, Corporate Vice President of Global Industry Marketing at Microsoft. “Together we show how AI can unlock new levels of creativity, productivity and innovation.”
This collaboration seeks to reinforce Pantone’s leadership in digital tools for creatives, and adds to other recently launched functionalities, such as the design mode in Adobe Extension, which optimizes navigation and reduces clicks within the platform.
Pantone’s commitment to artificial intelligence anticipates the digital transformation of the creative workflow, which will make instantly accessible what was previously only possible with specialized training, analysis time and accumulated experience.
