(1) The available colors in the computer's hardware or graphics file formats. See indexed color and color palette.

(2) An on-screen sample of available colors that may be selected by the user. For example, in a graphics program, it is used for selecting colors to paint images or draw objects. In a business application, the palette is used to select colors for fonts and backgrounds.

(3) Any on-screen window or toolbar that holds a set of related icons, buttons or menus within an application.