> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ss3d.gitbook.io/art-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ss3d.gitbook.io/art-guide/3d/modeling/color.md).
# Color
## Color
Coloring models helps give more character and even depth to 3D models.
### Palette
Having a palette has many upsides. It removes the need to learn texturing and also UV unwrapping, which is a tedious mechanical process that would raise the entry barrier to making SS3D content.
It makes it really easy to try different color variations, and it helps with cohesion.
### Baked in shadows
By coloring parts of the mesh with a darker shade of the same color you give the impression that it's casting a shadow on itself.
Old games did this a lot, but it should be used very sparingly— it can look very wrong when light shines directly on the darkened part.
The disposals bin can’t rotate, so it’s safe to assume light will be hitting it from above.
### Using the Palette
At this point the model has no UV mapping. Select all faces and press `U` > `Reset` which is the most unwrapping you’ll need for most things.
Make sure everything is selected in the UV editor then scale it all down into a single point (press `S` the `0`). Now select the faces you want to color, then drag the corresponding points in the UV editor to a swatch in the palette.
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