Color Muse 2 Support
Frequently Asked Questions
General Color FAQs
This can be accomplished if a user has Adobe Photoshop. To achieve this you would need to open up the Photoshop Color Picker, plug in the d50 Lab color into the picker, then click on the Color Libraries button to see the closest Pantone (or other library) color in Photoshop. This will pull up the closest Pantone color in the “Photoshop color space”.
Web colors are colors used in displaying web pages, and the methods for describing and specifying those colors. Colors may be specified as an RGB triplet or in hexadecimal format (a hex triplet) or according to their common English names in some cases. A color tool or other graphics software is often used to generate color values. A color is specified according to the intensity of its red, green and blue components, each represented by eight bits. Thus, there are 24 bits used to specify a web color within the sRGB gamut, and 16,777,216 colors that may be so specified.
CMYK is a scheme for combining primary pigments. The CMYK color model (process color, four color) is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself.
At this time we do not support CMYK due to the large number/variations of standards available.
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.
Lab color space describes mathematically all perceivable colors in the three dimensions. L for lightness and a and b for the color opponents green–red and blue–yellow.
LCH is a type of Lab color space.
Both are types of illuminants constructed to represent natural daylight. The primary difference between the two is the color temperature of the light they are meant to represent.
Color Muse App FAQs
Yes. When you create palettes in the app you have the ability to share them via email, text message, social media, etc. In doing so, this creates a unique URL that allows anyone to view your palette. If you click on the unique URL, underneath the actual palette you will see “Download ASE (Adobe Swatch Exchange).” Once you download this you’ll be able to import the data into Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. When you do this, it not only gives you those color details from your palette, but also gives you the hex number.
No, we have intentionally not developed an application for the PC.
Due to the variables in the measurement results, paint color swatch reproduction, paint mixing, and the fact that paint on walls fades over time, it is challenging to get an absolute perfect “touch up” match. The match will be close but may not be invisible. We recommend testing this on a hidden section of your wall. Painting the entire wall will gain you optimal results.
Not currently. Currently you have the ability to save scans into palettes and then name the palette, but you cannot save individual scans.
Because each phone screen is different and lighting conditions in each room can vary, there is no way to show exactly how the color will look once applied.
Many factors can cause the paint to look different than the representation on your smart device. Since each phone screen is different and the lighting conditions in each room can vary, there is no way to show exactly how the color will look once applied.
The Color Muse® app is FREE. That said, you will need to purchase the Color Muse® device in order to capture colors and fully utilize the app. You may purchase the device from Amazon or at variableinc.com.
Once you are in the app, create an account or log in if you previously had an account with us. After reading the onboarding instructions you will see the main “Color Match” screen. From here you will see “connect device”.
You can also connect the Color Muse 2 device by going to “Menu” and selecting “Manage Device”. From there you will see “connect device”.
We are always adding new libraries into our database. If there is one that you would like us to consider adding, please contact our Support department. Some libraries are proprietary, such as Pantone, and require specific licensing which could prevent or limit their availability to be added.
We are always adding new libraries into our database. If there is one that you would like us to consider adding, please contact our Support department. Some libraries are proprietary, such as Pantone, and require specific licensing which could prevent or limit their availability to be added.
Many of the apps available are named after a specific company. These companies use them internally for color measurement. If you don’t work for any of those companies, the Color Muse® app is all you need.
- A difference of under 1.5 ∆E equates to 3 stars
- A variation between 1.5 – 4.0 ∆E equates to 2 stars
- A variation between 4.0 – 8.0 ∆E equates to 1 star
- Any larger variation equates to No Stars
Creating an account allows you to have a backup of your custom palettes and allows you to view them online.
Any Apple smart device running iOS 11, or newer, is compatible.
Any Android smart device running Lollipop (5.0), or a newer, is compatible.
Ensure internet connectivity and a minimum of Bluetooth 4.0 (4.1 will provide enhanced speeds)
iOS 8.1 or later
iPhone 4S or newer
iPad 3rd gen or newer
Android 5.0 or newer
Must support Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart)
Although this is rare, if it occurs, please simply delete the app from your device and re-download/install the app.
If the app crashes on launch, please delete and re-download the app. If you continue to have trouble contact the customer service team at: [email protected] or +1.888.568.8588
The Color Muse® app is available for Android and iOS devices.
Digital color is only a representation of a physical sample. Current technology in smart phone screens is unable to perfectly represent a physical color. The color scanned and the represented product results are based on our scanning algorithm, even though visual representation on the screen may appear different. Your smart device will not be able to provide an accurate representation of the product or surface you scanned.
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”. Also, computer monitors and even televisions can have the color of the display adjusted to display colors correctly while most devices do not have that function.
Color Muse 2 General FAQs
96%+ match accuracy
Short-Term Repeatability is less than <0.05 ∆E00 Inter-instrument Agreement AVG. <0.2 ∆E00, Max <0.75 ∆E00
Illuminants refer to the type of light used to calculate the best match during a scan. Each illuminant stands for the following: D50 (Sunrise or Sunset), D65 (Noon Daylight), F2 (Fluorescent Office Light), F7 (Fluorescent Daylight), A (Incandescent Light). You should select the illuminant closest to the light the surface you are painting will be in. The app has defaulted to D50, the most common illuminant used.
8 mm diameter area for scanning
45/0 measuring optics
2-degree standard observer
White calibration point
Sheen detector
CIE Lab, LCH, sRGB, Hex, and more.
The Color Muse 2 is a color and sheen matching device that provides accurate, on-the-go paint and color matching. Scan the color of any flat surface, match the color to the closest paint colors and products, and create folders to share. Color Muse 2 takes the frustration out of finding that perfect color by ensuring you find the closest available match.
Bluetooth 4.1 and USB
Color Muse is a color and sheen matching device that provides accurate, on-the-go paint color matching. Scan the color of any flat surface, match the color to the closest paint colors and products, and create folders to share. The Color Muse 2 takes the frustration out of finding that perfect color by ensuring you find the closest available match. The Color Muse device is a color matching device designed to locate the best matching paints and products. The Color Muse 2 is Variable’s newest portable color matching device. Unlike the previous version, Color Muse 2 will find the closest paint color match AND sheen level.
Variable will accept a return within 30 days of a receipt of purchase. The receipt must be provided for returns.
Each Color Muse 2 comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects. To determine manufacturer defects, the device may need to be returned to our facility for testing.
Weight- 56g 46.25mm tall
46.75mm diameter
Measurement size: 8mm
Full-spectrum white LEDs
Patented color algorithms
Any Apple smart device running iOS 11, or newer, is compatible.
Any Android smart device running Lollipop (5.0), or a newer, is compatible.
Ensure internet connectivity and a minimum of Bluetooth 4.0 (4.1 will provide enhanced speeds)
Please click here to review our Agreement.
Phone cameras vary in quality between each manufacturer and cannot account for shadows, sunlight, and other external factors. Furthermore, cameras capture colors with Red, Green, and Blue detectors, but the human eye sees color differently than the camera. Color Muse 2 has a controlled light source to combat these external issues through our patented technology.
Color Muse 2 Device FAQs
Calibration will be prompted at every device/app connection. If the app does not automatically ask you to calibrate your device, you can manually initiate this action by going to “Settings” (It is the icon in the upper left hand-side of the app) and then going into the “Manage Device” section.
After calibration is complete, remove the end cap, screw it onto the back of your device, and then you’re ready to scan.
When not using your Color Muse® device, keep the calibration cap attached to the device for lens protection.
In addition, it is important to keep the calibration cap as clean and pristine as possible to ensure the highest level of accuracy when scanning colors.
Color Muse 2 Connection FAQs
Upon initial connection, the Color Muse app does require internet connectivity to pair to the color matching device. You will be able to search for the closest match after the device is paired with or without internet connection. For best experience, we recommend staying connected to internet as some features may not be available offline.
The Color Muse 2 will automatically calibrate when connected via Bluetooth. To ensure calibration is successful, twist the aperture closed. You can re-calibrate manually at any time by going to the “Menu” and selecting “Manage Device”.
After connecting the Color Muse 2 to the app, twist the aperture open. Place the device on a surface and press the top button OR select “scan” in the app. The button will flash WHITE to indicate scanning. Once complete the closest paint match will populate within the app.
To power on, press the button on the top of the device once. The Color Muse 2 will turn off after 5 minutes unless the awake time has been changed in settings.
The “awake” time refers to the time the Bluetooth remains connected without performing a color reading. The device will remain connected to the app, even when not in use. Changing the awake settings will shorten the battery life.
To change the awake time, open the “Menu” and go to “Settings”. Locate the “Keep Color Sensor Awake” section. The app is defaulted to a 5 minute awake time.
Yes! To change the time for disconnection, open the “Menu” and go to “Settings”. Locate the “Keep Color Sensor Awake” section to change the connection time.
The “awake” time refers to the time the Bluetooth connection remains alive without performing a color reading. The connection may persist while the app is on and increase the timeout/disconnection time. This will lead to shorter battery life.
If your shutter is jammed, please contact support or call +1.888.568.8588.
If you do not receive any close matches, it would appear there is not a good color match within your selected filters. We would suggest expanding your filters to include more product results. If there are still no color matches, the color you’re attempting to match may not be close to any colors in our database.
- Make sure you have a strong signal on your smart device and your Bluetooth is on.
- Next, please reset and try to reconnect the device. To reset: Hold the wake button down for 15 seconds. The Color Muse 2 will pulse through the several colors: ORANGE, RED, PURPLE, BLUE, GREEN, and YELLOW.
- On your smart device turn Bluetooth off for 5 seconds and then turn it back on
- Close and re-open the Color Muse app.
- Select “Connect Device”. Double-tap the button to initiate Bluetooth pairing. Your device will pulse WHITE then BLUE.
- Click on the serial number that you would like to connect to.
- Once successfully connected, your device will pulse BLUE and the App will take you to the color match section.
Color Muse 2 Battery FAQs
To fully charge the device, plug the Color Muse 2 into any Micro-USB cable (one is provided within the Color Muse 2 package) for 60 minutes. For best results, plug the device into a wall outlet. The device will illuminate GREEN when plugged in. To conserve power, the lights will turn off once the device reaches full charge. You can also check the battery level in-app under “Menu” and select “Manage Device”. The battery is fully charged when the battery percentage shows 100%.
In the Color Muse app, go to the “Menu” and select “Manage Device”. It will show the battery level as a percentage. A full charge is 100%.
The wake button is also a great indicator of battery level. A fully charged unit will flash GREEN. A low battery will flash RED.
When you initially plug in the device, the Color Muse 2 will pulse GREEN while charging. Once charging is complete, the device will turn off. To check the battery is fully charged, unplug the Color Muse 2 and connect the device to the app. To view the battery under “Manage Device” in the “Menu” section.
A fully charged device allows about 250 scans. Factors like “awake” time can change this.
As the device charges, the top light will illuminate green. The green light will glow brighter as it charges. Once fully charged the light will turn off.
If the device does not illuminate green once plugged in, ensure the Micro-USB cable, included with your packaging, is placed in the device correctly. If you continue to experience charging issues, we recommend trying a different charging block and wall outlet. Keep the device plugged in for 60 minutes before trying to reconnect to the app. If you continue to have trouble, please contact support or call +1.888.568.8588.