⚠️ Requires: - X-Cart 5.5.1 or later - Theme Tweaker add-on 5.5.1.13 or later |
Table of Contents |
What is the Color Picker?
The Color Picker is a tool in the Theme Tweaker add-on (also known as Storefront Builder), that lets you change the colors of your X-Cart store without editing any CSS code. It's a simple way to give your website a unique look that matches your brand and appeals to your customers!
Before You Start
Enabling Color Picker
To get started, enable the custom colors feature in the menu.
In your X-Cart Admin area, go to Design › Themes.
Click
Customize Storefront
to open the Storefront Builder.In the sidebar menu on the left, scroll down to Advanced Settings.
Enable Custom CSS toggle. Then click the pencil icon ✏️ next to it.
Click
Save changes
, if required.On next page, enable the Use custom colors toggle to activate the Color Editor.
Click
Save
in the top-right corner.
Changing Colors of Your Store Using Color Picker
Once you enable Use custom colors , a new color editor section will appear in the menu with two levels:
Theme Colors: Focused on the primary colors of your store’s theme, like the background, text, buttons, and borders.
Other Variables: Includes additional options for more specific design elements.
Let’s take a closer look at what each section allows you to do.
What is a Theme?
It's a a template that sets the tone for your website with its layout, colors, and style. Choose a theme in the X-Cart Admin or AppStore, then use the Color Picker to customize it.
Adjusting Theme Colors of Your Website
This section will be named after your current theme (e.g., Dark Theme Colors). Here, you can customize the primary color palette of your storefront.
Click on any variable (colored square ) next to their title in the theme section. This will open the Color Picker popup, where you can customize the color to your liking using sliders, a color wheel, or by entering a hex code or RGB values.
Live Preview
As you make changes, you’ll see them instantly in the live store preview, allowing you to adjust and perfect your selections across different pages.
When you’re satisfied, click Save
to apply the changes to your storefront immediately.
Theme Colors Options
Next, let’s take a look at what each of the variables (or color options) controls.
1. Main background color
1. Main background color
A color behind your content. Using light or neutral colors create a clean look, while dark colors give a modern feel. Just make sure there's enough contrast for readability.
7. Main color text
7. Main color text
This is the color for your main text. It needs to stand out clearly against the background so it’s easy to read.
10. Lines color
10. Lines color
This controls the dividing lines across your store, such as those in the header (menu, account sub-menu, mini-cart, search bar outline), shopping cart, checkout, and footer.
It also applies to separators around non-line elements like inactive star ratings and quantity selectors on product pages.
A light, subtle shade works best to maintain a clean and organized look.
11. Selected color
11. Selected color
This controls the color of active elements, in the header, account sub-menu, on checkout page, form and search fields, tabs, and product discount labels. It also applies when hovering over these elements.
Choose a color that is easy to spot and creates a clear visual cue for interaction.
Adjusting Colors of More Specific UI elements
Below the Theme color options, you’ll find the Other Variables section. It includes more specific settings, like warning colors, top menu popup backgrounds, or button border colors on hover. Explore these settings to add a personal touch to your store.
When you done, click Save
and your color changes will be immediately visible to your customers.
How to Restore Default Color Settings?
To revert your adjustments, disable Use custom colors toggle. Then click Save
in the top right corner.
Please note, when you re-enable this toggle, changes you made before will be lost, and you will need to start over.
Color Matching Advice for Better Visibility
Choosing the right colors is key to making your website readable and user-friendly. Here are a few tips to ensure a seamless experience for your visitors:
1. Ensure Readability with Contrast
Make sure your customers can easily read text and interact with your website by choosing colors with enough contrast. For example, your text should stand out clearly against the background.
Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for larger text to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Use tools like WebAIM to check contrast ratios, and simulators to confirm your design works well for color-blind users.
2. Build a Consistent Color Palette
A good color palette enhances your website’s design and guides customers to make a purchase. Clarity is key – if it's not obvious where to click or too many colors distract from key elements, your color choices aren't serving their purpose.
❌ Don't do this | ✅ Do this instead |
The interface feels busy, which makes it hard to know where to click. | Clear contrast, easy navigation, obvious where to click to make a purchase. |
Start with a primary color that reflects your brand’s identity or message. This color will define key elements of your website, like buttons, headers, and calls to action (CTA).
Use bold, high-contrast shade for these key elements to make customers click, but make sure it doesn’t clash with the rest of your design.
Next, pick complementary colors for accent and highlights. These colors can be used for secondary action buttons, selectors, links, and other elements that need emphasis.
Avoid overly bright or saturated colors (e.g., #FF0000 , #FFFF00 , or #800080 ) for the overall design, as they can strain the eyes. Instead, use muted or pastel shades for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Also, remember that colors carry different cultural meanings – red might symbolize luck in one country but caution in another. Adjust your palette to align with your target market and avoid unintended messages.
How to Match Colors?
Use tools like Coolors.co to find complementary colors. Keep your palette to 3–5 shades and use neutral tones for backgrounds to maintain a clean, calm design.
3. Test Across Devices
Colors can vary by screen type (TFT, LCD, OLED) and settings, sometimes appearing more saturated on one screen and less so on another. Before going live, test your site on multiple devices and adjust colors if needed to ensure consistency, making it easier for customers to browse and complete purchases.
4. Get Expert Help If Needed
If you're unsure about your color choices, consider working with a designer to ensure your website is visually appealing and accessible.
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Email us at support@x-cart.com. We will be happy to help!