Color for web graphics can get pretty confusing. While there might only be two basic file formats, GIF and JPEG used for web graphics, there are several color systems that apply to GIF images. In this article we’ll look at Web Safe or Browser Safe Palettes. Next month we’ll continue exploring GIF palette options and look at Adaptive, WebSnap Adaptive, Uniform and System (Windows and Macintosh) palettes. Well also get a handle on which palettes are best used with which images.
February 21, 2000

What Are Web Safe Colors?

Web Safe, or Browser Safe palettes as they are also referred to, consist of 216 colors that display solid, non-dithered, and consistent on any computer monitor, or web browser, capable of displaying at least 8-bit color (256 colors). The reason why this palette contains only 216 colors, instead of the maximum 256 colors, is that only 216 out of the basic 256 colors will display exactly the same on all computers.

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article by Gary W. Priester