Choosing paint colors for your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to consider, it’s hard to know where to start. Online paint visualizers have become an invaluable tool for previewing colors before committing to repainting a room. We’ve researched and tested the top paint visualization apps and websites to help you find the right colors for your home. In this article, we’ll compare the features and capabilities of the 3 best online paint visualizers.

Overview of Online Paint Visualizers

An online paint visualizer is a web-based app or software that allows you to upload a photo of a room and virtually paint the walls. Advanced visualizers use augmented reality to show you realistically-rendered colors on the walls, trim, and ceilings of your actual space. With some visualizers, you can also try out different paint finishes like flat, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheens.

The main benefits of online paint visualization apps include:

Preview paint colors in your unique lighting and environment
Experiment with unlimited color options and combinations
See colors on walls, trim, furniture – not just small swatches
Save and share your painted room with others
Purchase sample pots of favored colors
Avoid the frustration of disliked paint colors after repainting

Overall, paint visualizer apps make selecting paint colors easier, more convenient, and lower risk. Let’s look at the top 3 paint visualizers that provide the best user experience.

1. Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer

Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer is our top choice for paint visualization. This free web app recreates your room lighting and color conditions for the most realistic virtual painting. Here are the standout features:

Upload Your Room Photo

Start by uploading a photo of the room you want to paint. Make sure it’s well-lit and captures the entire wall area. Benjamin Moore’s technology analyzes the lighting and textures to recreate a digital version of your room.

Choose Paint Colors

Browse Benjamin Moore’s extensive collection of over 3,500 paint colors. You can search by name or color family, select from suggested palettes, or use an interactive color wheel to find the perfect hue.

Edit Walls, Ceilings and Trim

The editing tools let you virtually paint the walls, ceilings, and trim in different colors. You can paint each surface separately.

Adjust Lighting and Sheen

Slide controls mimic the room’s lighting and paint sheens like flat, eggshell or satin. See colors in your room’s actual lighting.

Save and Share

Name your color combinations, save the painted room images, and share via email or social media. Also access your saved rooms anytime.

Buy Paint Samples

Click a button to purchase quart-sized samples of your selected paint colors from Benjamin Moore.

Works on Mobile

Benjamin Moore’s app works on desktop and mobile devices. You can visualize paints from your phone then purchase samples for delivery.

With its realism and custom editing features, Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer makes selecting paint colors for your home easy and foolproof.

2. Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer

For a wide range of digital painting tools, Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer is a top choice. Key features include:

Large Paint Database

Browse and select colors from Sherwin-Williams collection of over 1,500 paint colors across palettes and brands like Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, and Valspar.

Upload Multiple Photos

Import images of several rooms or walls to visualize colors in different spaces. The app stitches photos together for unified painting.

Paint Walls, Trim and Ceilings

Use editing tools to color walls, baseboards, ceilings, doors and trim in any colors. Mix and match paint sheens too.

Add Painted Patterns

Choose from a gallery of paint patterns like stripes, argyle, and more to overlay on your walls for a textured look.

Paint Surfaces and Furniture

You can paint built-in cabinets, tile, counters, furniture and decor in any color. See how accent walls tie everything together.

Adjust Lighting

Use a slider to change lighting from day to night to preview how the colors will look at different times.

Purchase Paint

Click a button to purchase samples or gallons of the paint colors you used in your visualization directly from Sherwin-Williams.

With many customization tools for painting and patterns, Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer allows limitless color experimentation when planning your home’s new interior paint scheme.

3. ColorSnap Visualizer by Behr

Behr’s ColorSnap Visualizer is free and easy-to-use for visualizing paint colors from your phone. Key features include:

Mobile App

As a mobile app for iOS and Android, you can use ColorSnap anywhere without needing to upload photos to a website.

Live Mode

Your phone camera displays real-time paint previews on the room as you move around for an augmented reality experience.

Photo Mode

Alternatively, import photos of your room to overlay paint colors using a simple editing interface.

Paint Different Elements

Paint walls, trim, furniture and decor in independent colors for a complete preview.

Interactive Color Wheel

Browse Behr’s color palettes or use the color wheel tool to choose custom hues and shades for an endless variety.

Save Palettes

Save your favorite color combinations to view later or share.

Buy Paint

Add gallon-sized paint cans of your visualized colors to a cart for delivery from Home Depot.

As a mobile app with live augmented reality features, ColorSnap Visualizer makes paint experimenting easy and accessible anywhere you use your phone.

Key Features to Look for in Paint Visualizers

When choosing a paint visualizer, keep an eye out for these top features:

Realistic rendering – The app should accurately translate room lighting, sheens, textures and colors for life-like visualization.
Large paint database – A wide selection of brand name paint colors from major companies is ideal for options.
Customization tools – Paint walls, trim, furniture and decor separately in any colors. Add special finishes or patterns.
Lighting adjustment – Slide daylight to nighttime to preview how paints will look in different light.
Buy paint samples – A way to purchase small sample sizes of the visualized paint colors directly.
Save palettes – Save, name and store your favorite color combinations to access later.
Share rooms – Share and get feedback on your visualized paint colors via email or social media.
Mobile app – A phone app allows paint previewing on-the-go using live camera or uploaded photos.

Using a paint visualizer with these key features will make choosing paint colors for your next home project easy, convenient and fun.

How to Use Online Paint Visualizer Apps

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to using paint visualization apps to preview colors:

1. Take Room Photos

Take photos of the room you want to paint. Capture the entire wall area and lighting. Take wide, overlapping shots for best results.

2. Upload Photos

In the paint visualizer web app or mobile app, upload your room photos. The app will process the images so you can start virtually painting.

3. Browse Paint Colors

Search for paint colors by name, color family or use an interactive color wheel to find colors you like. Shortlist favorites.

4. Edit Photos

Use the app’s editing tools to paint walls, trim, furniture and decor. Edit sheens and special finishes if optioned.

5. Adjust Lighting

Slide lighting settings to preview the paint colors in different exposures like daylight, nighttime or incandescent.

6. Save and Share

Name and save color combinations you like to access later. Share with others to get feedback.

7. Buy Paint Samples

Click a button to order sample quart cans of favored colors from major paint brands.

Follow these tips for successfully selecting the perfect paint using online visualizer apps!

Tips for Choosing Paint Colors with Visualizers

Paint visualizers make selecting paint colors easy and convenient. Here are some top tips for picking the best shades for your home:

Preview in your lighting – See colors in your room’s real lighting by uploading photos to the app. Avoid disappointments from store lighting.
View on all surfaces – Virtually paint walls, ceilings, trim and cabinets to ensure a cohesive look. Colors appear lighter on ceilings.
Contrast trim and walls – Differentiate trim from walls by at least 3 shades so trims don’t recede. Darker trims also “ground” the walls.
** Coordinate finishes** – For a unified look, use matching sheens on trim, walls, ceilings and doors throughout the home.
Consider undertones – Know if colors have warm (red, yellow) or cool (blue, green) undertones to find complementary shades. Warm paints suit south-facing rooms.
Lighten low ceilings – Pale, airy colors make low ceilings appear taller. Deeper shades can feel heavier and more constricting.
Test accent walls – Use paint visualizers to experiment with bold accent walls without the commitment. Bolder colors suit larger open layouts.
Buy samples – Order samples of shortlisted paints to paint real swatches on walls before fully committing. Colors look different on full walls.

Follow these paint color tips when using online paint visualizers to choose foolproof shades for every room in your home.

FAQs About Online Paint Visualizers

What is the best free paint visualizer app?

The best free paint visualizer app is ColorSnap Visualizer from Behr. As a mobile app, it lets you preview paint colors using your phone’s camera or uploaded photos for free. It also has a large color database and shares some advanced features found in paid apps.

Should I use a paint visualizer or actual paint samples?

Use a combination of both. Paint visualizers let you experience unlimited color options virtually before buying physical samples. Order a few quarter-sized samples of your shortlisted shades from a visualizer to paint on walls before committing to the full gallon.

How accurate are online paint visualizers?

Advanced paint visualizers are quite accurate at representing true paint colors by analyzing room lighting and textures from uploaded photos. However, colors on a screen may differ slightly from real painted walls due to differences in texture, sheen and material. Lighting variations can also impact color perceptions.

Can I use paint visualizers on mobile?

Yes, many paint companies offer mobile-friendly paint visualizer apps to use on your smartphone, like ColorSnap from Behr. Others like Benjamin Moore have mobile-friendly websites. Mobile apps utilize your phone camera for live paint previews making them easy to use anywhere.

Should I paint all walls in a room the same color?

To create a spacious, cohesive look many designers recommend painting all four walls in a room the same base color. Use paint visualizers to preview different shades on all walls. You can then add accent walls or paint architectural trims and ceilings in coordinating colors for extra interest.

What are the most popular wall colors right now?

Current popular paint colors include light airy tones like cream, pale gray, light blue and green. Contrasting these with bright clean whites on trims and ceilings is on trend. For accents, deep rich shades of navy, green and burnt orange add warmth. Use paint visualizers to test combinations!

Conclusion

Online paint visualizers are invaluable for previewing the perfect paint colors for your home. Advanced apps like Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio make it easy to experiment with unlimited color combinations in your unique lighting and environment before committing to buying paint. Features to look for include realistic renderings, large color databases, customization tools, lighting adjustments, and paint sampling. Follow these expert tips when selecting shades for a professionally-colored home using DIY paint visualizer apps.

3 Best Online Paint Visualizers

Introduction

Choosing just the right paint colors for your home can be challenging. With so many shades and finishes to pick from, it’s hard to know where to start. This is where online paint visualizer apps come in handy! Paint visualizers allow you to virtually “paint” rooms with different colors and see how they would look on your actual walls before ever cracking open a can of paint.

In this article, we will explore the 3 best paint visualization apps and websites based on accuracy, customization features, and convenience. With the right online visualizer, you can find the perfect paint colors for every room in your home easily and confidently. Let’s get started!

Overview of Top 3 Paint Visualizers

1. Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer

Uses uploaded room photos for realistic visualization
Choose from 3,500+ Benjamin Moore paint colors
Edit walls, trim, furniture in different colors
Adjust lighting and paint sheens
Purchase samples of favored colors

2. Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer

Access 1,500+ colors from various brands
Upload multiple room photos
Add special paint patterns and textures
Adjust lighting from day to night
Buy paint directly from visualizer

3. ColorSnap Visualizer by Behr

Mobile app with augmented reality features
Browse Behr paint collections
Preview colors on camera or uploaded photos
Save color palettes to access later
Seamlessly buy paint through Home Depot

#1 Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer

Our top choice for realistic, customized paint visualization is Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer. Here’s an overview of its outstanding features:

Realistic Rendering

Benjamin Moore’s patented technology analyzes the lighting, textures, and colors from photos of your space to mimic conditions for true-to-life visualization. You see the paint on your actual walls.

Upload Photo

The process starts by uploading a well-lit photo showing the entire wall area you want to paint. Make sure to capture textures.

Browse Paint Colors

Search from over 3,500 Benjamin Moore paint colors by name, color family or an interactive color wheel with shade selection tools.

Customize Walls, Trim and More

The editor allows you to virtually paint walls, ceilings, trim, moldings, doors and furniture in any colors. Customize each element.

Adjust Lighting and Sheen

Slide controls to change the room lighting to daylight, incandescent or nighttime. Also switch paint sheens like flat, matte or glossy.

Save and Share Rooms

Save your preferred painted room images to your account so you can share for feedback via email or social media.

Purchase Samples

Click to purchase quart-size samples of the exact paint colors you used in your visualization to test on your walls.

The ability to preview colors in your unique lighting on your own walls makes Benjamin Moore’s Personal Color Viewer the most realistic and helpful visualizer overall.

#2 Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer

For advanced customization capabilities, Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer is a top choice. Notable features include:

Massive Color Database

Browse over 1,500 paint colors across all Sherwin-Williams brands like HGTV Home, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax and more.

Multiple Photo Importing

Import several photos of different rooms or angles. The Color Visualizer stitches images together into one canvas for painting.

Customize all Surfaces

Editing tools allow you to paint every surface including walls, trim, crown molding, tile, furniture and decor.

Specialty Finishes and Patterns

Make things interesting by overlaying stripes, checks, geometric patterns or camouflage onto your painted walls and surfaces.

Adjustable Lighting

Use a slider to change the room lighting from morning sun to evening to see how the colors appear at different times of day.

Purchase Paint

Click a button to purchase samples or gallons of the exact colors used in your visualization directly from Sherwin-Williams.

With endless colors and patterns to experiment with, Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer encourages creativity and customization for your perfect paint colors.

#3 ColorSnap Visualizer by Behr

For easy, on-the-go paint visualization, ColorSnap Visualizer mobile app by Behr is a top choice. Here are the key features:

Mobile App

As a mobile app for iOS and Android, ColorSnap offers portability to visualize paint anywhere without uploading photos.

Live Camera Mode

Your phone camera shows real-time paint previews on your room as you move through the space. It’s like augmented reality!

Upload Photo Mode

Alternatively, import photos of your rooms to overlay colors using the easy phone app editing tools.

Paint Different Elements

Paint walls, trim, furniture, doors and decor independently to create a complete preview.

Browse Behr Paint Colors

Search Behr paint collections and use an interactive color wheel for unlimited color selection.

Save Color Palettes

Save your favorite color combinations created in the app to your account so you can access them later.

Order Paint Samples

Seamlessly order quart or gallon sizes of visualized paint colors from Behr for delivery through Home Depot.

As a mobile app with innovative augmented reality features, ColorSnap Visualizer makes virtually painting rooms fun, easy, and convenient.

Tips for Picking Paint Colors

Once you’ve selected the right paint visualizer app for your needs, follow these tips to choose the perfect paint colors for your home:

Preview in your lighting – Upload room photos instead of relying on virtual rooms to see true colors.
Coordinate all surfaces – Visually paint walls, trim, ceilings, doors in coordinating tints for a pulled-together look.
Consider undertones – Know if colors have warm or cool undertones to find complementary hues.
Contrast trim and walls – Choose trim colors at least 3 shades lighter or darker than wall colors so trims don’t disappear.
Experiment with dark colors – Take advantage of paint apps to test dramatic dark hues without the commitment.
Purchase samples – Order samples of your favorite visualized colors to