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Color Tokens

Comprehensive guide to the color token system including palettes, shades, transparency values, and context-specific colors.

This documentation is a work in progress. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or differ from the current product behavior.

Overview

Color tokens are predefined color values used throughout the design system to ensure consistency and accessibility. They represent colors for backgrounds, text, borders, icons, and other UI elements.

Architecture

Chassis Tokens uses a multi-layer token architecture where colors are defined in the Brand group and referenced by tokens in the Theme group. This separation allows independent switching between brands and color modes while maintaining consistency.

How it works:

Each color token in the Theme group references a corresponding base token in the Brand group. The specific base token referenced automatically changes based on the active theme mode:

  • In light mode: color.context.default.fg-subtlecolor.base.context.light.fg-subtle
  • In dark mode: color.context.default.fg-subtlecolor.base.context.dark.fg-subtle

This means designers and developers work exclusively with Theme group tokens (like color.context.default.fg-subtle), and the system automatically resolves the appropriate values based on the selected brand and color mode.

Benefits:

  • Switch brands without changing color mode preferences
  • Switch color modes without affecting brand identity
  • Single source of truth for each color across all variations
  • Automatic updates when brand or theme values change

This documentation focuses on Theme group tokens—the colors actually used in UI design and development. For details on how Brand group tokens are structured and defined, see the Tokens Studio page.

Organization

Color tokens in the Theme group are organized into two primary categories:

Palette Colors: Foundation-level color definitions including nine predefined colors (primary, secondary, neutral, danger, success, warning, info, black, white). Each palette color includes a complete set of shades, transparency variations, and contrast colors.

Context Colors: Semantic colors assigned to specific UI purposes and component states. These reference palette colors and provide meaningful names for backgrounds, foregrounds, borders, and other visual properties.

This two-tier organization ensures both flexibility (through palette colors) and clarity (through context colors) when applying colors to UI elements.

Palette Colors

Nine colors are defined by default based on brand identity and UI context. Each color has a complete palette with shades, transparency variations, and contrast colors.

Color NamePurpose
primaryBrand's main identity color. Used for primary actions, links, and brand presence.
secondaryBrand's accent color. Used for secondary actions and supporting visual elements.
neutralGrayscale palette typically tinted with brand identity. Used for text, borders, and neutral UI elements.
dangerError and destructive actions. Used for delete buttons, error messages, and critical warnings.
successPositive feedback and completion states. Used for success messages, confirmations, and valid states.
warningCautionary information. Used for warnings, potential issues, and actions requiring attention.
infoInformational content. Used for tips, information messages, and neutral notifications.
blackPure black (#000000). Used for maximum contrast and accessibility needs.
whitePure white (#FFFFFF). Used for maximum contrast and light backgrounds.

Key Colors

Key colors are the foundational colors in each palette, used to generate shades, transparency variations, and effects. Three key colors exist for each palette color:

Token NamePurpose
color.palette.[color-name].baseThe foundation color (50 shade) from which all other shades are generated. References the brand's defined color value.
color.palette.[color-name].contrastHigh-contrast companion color that ensures text and icons remain readable when placed on the base color. Meets WCAG AA accessibility standards.
color.palette.[color-name].transparentFully transparent version (0% opacity) of the base color. Used as a starting point for gradient effects.

Solid Colors

Each color has 11 shades ranging from 10 to 90, plus 05 (lightest) and 95 (darkest), for a total of 13 shades. These shades are automatically generated by the Tokens Studio color processor extension by mixing the base color with white (for lighter shades) or black (for darker shades). Each shade can be overridden manually if needed.

Token NameDefault Generation Method
color.palette.[color-name].05Lightest shade: Mix base color with 96% white (very subtle tint)
color.palette.[color-name].10Very light: Mix base color with 85% white
color.palette.[color-name].20Light: Mix base color with 70% white
color.palette.[color-name].30Light-medium: Mix base color with 50% white
color.palette.[color-name].40Medium-light: Mix base color with 25% white
color.palette.[color-name].50Base: Pure brand color (no mixing)
color.palette.[color-name].60Medium-dark: Mix base color with 30% black
color.palette.[color-name].70Dark-medium: Mix base color with 50% black
color.palette.[color-name].80Dark: Mix base color with 65% black
color.palette.[color-name].90Very dark: Mix base color with 75% black
color.palette.[color-name].95Darkest shade: Mix base color with 85% black (deep tone)

It is possible to change the shade generation values for each shade or set direct values manually.

Black and White colors do not have shades since they are absolute colors.

Transparency Colors

Each color has 11 transparency variations based on its 50 shade, ranging from 05 (highest transparency) to 95 (lowest transparency). These are created by applying opacity tokens to the base color (50 shade). Transparency colors are useful for overlays, highlights, and layered visual effects.

Token NameCompositionResulting Opacity
color.palette.[color-name].t-5005Base color (50) with opacity.level.05~5% visible (very transparent)
color.palette.[color-name].t-5010Base color (50) with opacity.level.10~10% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5020Base color (50) with opacity.level.20~20% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5030Base color (50) with opacity.level.30~30% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5040Base color (50) with opacity.level.40~40% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5050Base color (50) with opacity.level.5050% visible (half transparent)
color.palette.[color-name].t-5060Base color (50) with opacity.level.60~60% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5070Base color (50) with opacity.level.70~70% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5080Base color (50) with opacity.level.80~80% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5090Base color (50) with opacity.level.90~90% visible
color.palette.[color-name].t-5095Base color (50) with opacity.level.95~95% visible (nearly opaque)

Transparency colors are named with their solid shade value. For example, color.palette.[color-name].t-5050 indicates 50% opacity applied to the 50 shade. Custom transparency values can be created by applying different opacity tokens to other solid shades.

For example, color.palette.[color-name].t-9550 would be created by applying opacity.level.50 to color.palette.[color-name].95.

Since black and white colors do not have shades, their transparency tokens are created by applying opacity tokens to their base color solid and named only with the transparency value like color.palette.black.t-50 or color.palette.white.t-50.

Context Colors

While palette colors provide foundational color definitions, context colors assign semantic meaning to colors for specific UI elements and states. Context colors ensure clarity and usability by connecting colors to their intended purpose.

Two special context colors exist in addition to the palette-based contexts: default and alternate.

  • default: Used for standard page content (body background and text). Typically dark text on a light background in light mode, inverting in dark mode.
  • alternate: Used for emphasized sections like sidebars, banners, or highlighted areas. May use colored backgrounds and typically maintains consistent appearance across color modes.
Context NamePurpose & Usage
defaultStandard page content and body background. Forms the base layer for most UI elements.
alternateEmphasized sections requiring visual distinction. Used for sidebars, callouts, hero sections, and featured content areas.
primaryBrand-forward elements like primary buttons, key navigation items, and important call-to-action components.
secondarySupporting interactive elements like secondary buttons, tabs, and complementary actions.
neutralUI chrome, form inputs, cards, and elements that need to recede from primary content.
dangerDestructive actions (delete, remove), error states, validation failures, and critical warnings.
successPositive feedback, successful operations, valid form states, and completion indicators.
warningCautionary messages, potential issues, important notices requiring user attention.
infoHelpful information, tips, educational content, and neutral status messages.
blackMaximum contrast elements, pure black overlays, and accessibility-critical text.
whitePure white surfaces, contrast against dark backgrounds, and light mode foundations.

Key Context Colors

Key context colors reference the foundational palette colors and serve as the basis for all other context color variations.

Token NameReference & Purpose
color.context.[color-name].base-colorReferences color.palette.[color-name].base. The primary solid color for this context.
color.context.[color-name].contrast-colorReferences color.palette.[color-name].contrast. Ensures readable text/icons on base-color backgrounds.
color.context.[color-name].transparent-colorReferences color.palette.[color-name].transparent. Foundation for creating gradient and overlay effects.

Since default and alternate context colors do not have corresponding palette colors, their base colors usually references black or white (or shades of neutral) depending on the color mode.

Background Colors

Background colors are derived from palette shades and applied to surfaces within each context. Each context has 6 background color tokens designed for different levels of prominence and specific use cases.

Token NameUsage & Hierarchy
color.context.[color-name].bg-mainPrimary background surface for the context. The base layer on which other elements sit.
color.context.[color-name].bg-evenAlternating background for striped patterns, table rows, or secondary surfaces within the context.
color.context.[color-name].bg-evidentEmphasized background that stands out from bg-main. Used for cards, panels, or important content areas.
color.context.[color-name].bg-solidFull-strength color (typically base-color). Used for filled buttons and bold UI elements. Pairs with fg-solid.
color.context.[color-name].bg-inverseInverted background that contrasts with the color mode (dark in light mode, light in dark mode). Pairs with fg-inverse.
color.context.[color-name].bg-highlightBackground for active, selected, or focused states. Indicates current selection or interactive feedback. Pairs with fg-highlight.

Chassis uses hierarchical names like as main, even, evident to indicate the relative prominence while avoiding confusion like color.context.primary.bg-secondary which may be misinterpreted as a color for secondary context.

Foreground Colors

Foreground colors are used for text and other elements that appear on top of backgrounds. Each context has 6 foreground color tokens with varying levels of emphasis.

Token NameUsage & Hierarchy
color.context.[color-name].fg-mainPrimary text and icon color. Highest contrast and prominence for body text and key content.
color.context.[color-name].fg-subtleSecondary text and icons with reduced prominence. Created by applying opacity.context.fg-subtle to fg-main. Used for supporting text, captions, and metadata.
color.context.[color-name].fg-slightTertiary text with minimal prominence. Created by applying opacity.context.fg-slight to fg-main. Used for placeholder text, disabled labels, and subtle hints.
color.context.[color-name].fg-solidHigh-contrast text/icons on solid colored backgrounds (typically contrast-color). Ensures readability on bg-solid.
color.context.[color-name].fg-inverseInverted foreground that contrasts with bg-inverse. Light text in light mode, dark text in dark mode.
color.context.[color-name].fg-highlightText/icon color for active or selected states. Provides clear visual feedback for current selections. Pairs with bg-highlight.

Chassis uses hierarchical names like as main, subtle, slight to indicate the relative prominence while avoiding confusion like color.context.primary.fg-secondary which may be misinterpreted as a color for secondary context.

fg-subtle and fg-slight are created by applying the corresponding opacity tokens to fg-main color to create hierarchy in text elements.

Border Colors

Border colors define the appearance of component boundaries, dividers, and separators within each context. Each context has 2 border tokens for different visual weights.

Token NameUsage & Appearance
color.context.[color-name].border-mainStandard border for components, cards, inputs, and layout divisions. Provides clear visual separation.
color.context.[color-name].border-subtleSubtle separator with transparency. Used for lightweight dividers, table borders, and when minimal visual weight is needed.

Icon Colors

Icon colors provide a consistent hierarchy for iconography within each context. Each context has 3 icon tokens matching the foreground color hierarchy.

Token NameUsage & Hierarchy
color.context.[color-name].icon-mainPrimary icons with full prominence. Used for navigation icons, action buttons, and primary visual indicators.
color.context.[color-name].icon-subtleSecondary icons with reduced emphasis. Created by applying opacity.context.icon-subtle to icon-main. Used for supporting actions and decorative icons.
color.context.[color-name].icon-slightTertiary icons with minimal emphasis. Created by applying opacity.context.icon-slight to icon-main. Used for disabled states and background decorations.

icon-subtle and icon-slight are created by applying the corresponding opacity tokens to icon-main color to create hierarchy in icon elements.

Indicator Colors

Indicator colors are used for status badges, notification dots, and presence indicators within each context. Each context has 2 indicator states.

Token NameUsage & State
color.context.[color-name].indicator-mainActive or enabled indicator. Used for online status, unread badges, active states, and live notifications.
color.context.[color-name].indicator-slightInactive or disabled indicator. Used for offline status, read notifications, and unavailable states.

Dim Colors

Dim colors create overlay effects and backdrop layers within each context. Each context has 3 dim levels with varying opacity for different use cases.

Token NameUsage & Intensity
color.context.[color-name].dim-mainHeavy dimming overlay. Used for modal backdrops, dialog overlays, and focus-locking effects that block page interaction.
color.context.[color-name].dim-subtleMedium dimming effect. Used for dropdown backgrounds, temporary overlays, and moderate attention-directing effects.
color.context.[color-name].dim-slightLight tinted background. Used for hover states, subtle distinction layers, and gentle color-flavored backgrounds.

Link colors define hyperlink appearance across different interaction states within each context. Each context has 4 link state tokens.

Token NameState & Usage
color.context.[color-name].link-mainDefault link color before interaction. Used for unvisited links and standard hyperlink text.
color.context.[color-name].link-hoverLink appearance when cursor hovers. Provides interactive feedback indicating the element is clickable.
color.context.[color-name].link-activeLink color during click/press. Provides immediate feedback that the action has been registered.
color.context.[color-name].link-visitedColor for previously visited links. Helps users track navigation history and distinguish visited from unvisited content.

Interaction Colors

Interaction colors define the appearance of interactive components (buttons, inputs, controls) across all interaction states within each context. Each context has 4 states with both background and foreground variants.

Token NameState & Usage
color.context.[color-name].bg-idleBackground for default/resting state. The initial appearance before any user interaction.
color.context.[color-name].fg-idleForeground (text/icon) for default/resting state. Pairs with bg-idle for accessible contrast.
color.context.[color-name].bg-hoverBackground when cursor hovers over the element. Provides visual feedback that the element is interactive.
color.context.[color-name].fg-hoverForeground when cursor hovers. Maintains readable contrast on bg-hover background.
color.context.[color-name].bg-pressBackground during active press/click. Provides immediate tactile feedback that the action has been registered.
color.context.[color-name].fg-pressForeground during active press/click. Ensures text/icons remain readable on bg-press background.
color.context.[color-name].bg-disabledBackground for disabled/unavailable state. Indicates the element cannot currently be interacted with.
color.context.[color-name].fg-disabledForeground for disabled state. Reduced contrast and prominence to communicate unavailability.

Shadow Colors

Shadow colors define the color used in shadow effects for each context. Each context has a single shadow color token that adapts automatically between light and dark modes.

Token NameUsage & Purpose
color.shadow.defaultDefault shadow color for standard elevation effects. Used in shadow.elevation.default.* tokens.
color.shadow.alternateAlternative shadow color for emphasized surfaces. Used in shadow.elevation.alternate.* tokens.
color.shadow.primaryBrand-colored shadow for primary elements. Used in shadow.elevation.primary.* tokens.
color.shadow.secondarySecondary brand shadow. Used in shadow.elevation.secondary.* tokens.
color.shadow.neutralNeutral shadow color. Used in shadow.elevation.neutral.* tokens.
color.shadow.dangerError/danger shadow. Used in shadow.elevation.danger.* tokens.
color.shadow.successSuccess/positive shadow. Used in shadow.elevation.success.* tokens.
color.shadow.warningWarning/caution shadow. Used in shadow.elevation.warning.* tokens.
color.shadow.infoInformational shadow. Used in shadow.elevation.info.* tokens.

Shadow colors automatically reference different values in light vs dark modes (e.g., color.base.shadow.light.default in light mode, color.base.shadow.dark.default in dark mode). This ensures shadows have appropriate opacity and tone for proper contrast—typically lighter with lower opacity in light mode, and darker or more saturated in dark mode to maintain perceived depth.

For more information on how shadow colors are used in elevation tokens, see Shadow Tokens.

Component Colors

Component colors are specialized color tokens tailored for specific UI components. These tokens reference context colors and provide dedicated color assignments for buttons, form inputs, badges, and other interactive elements.

Button Colors

Button components have granular color tokens for each variant and interaction state.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.button.default.fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-idleDefault button text (idle)
color.button.default.bg-idlecolor.context.default.bg-idleDefault button background (idle)
color.button.default.border-idlecolor.context.default.border-mainDefault button border (idle)
color.button.default.fg-hovercolor.context.default.fg-hoverDefault button text (hover)
color.button.default.bg-hovercolor.context.default.bg-hoverDefault button background (hover)
color.button.default.fg-presscolor.context.default.fg-pressDefault button text (pressed)
color.button.default.bg-presscolor.context.default.bg-pressDefault button background (pressed)
color.button.default.fg-disabledcolor.context.default.fg-disabledDefault button text (disabled)
color.button.default.bg-disabledcolor.context.default.bg-disabledDefault button background (disabled)

Available button variants: default, primary, secondary, neutral, danger, success, warning, info

Each variant follows the same pattern with fg/bg/border colors for idle/hover/press/disabled states.

Form Input Colors

Form input components have color tokens for different validation states and interaction modes.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.form-input.idle.bg-regularcolor.context.default.bg-mainInput background (idle, regular style)
color.form-input.idle.bg-floatingcolor.context.default.bg-evenInput background (idle, floating label)
color.form-input.idle.bordercolor.context.default.border-mainInput border (idle)
color.form-input.idle.fg-activecolor.context.default.fg-mainInput text (when typing)
color.form-input.idle.fg-inactivecolor.context.default.fg-subtleInput text (empty/placeholder)
color.form-input.idle.caretcolor.context.default.fg-mainInput cursor color
color.form-input.idle.helpcolor.context.default.fg-mainHelper text
color.form-input.focus.bordercolor.context.primary.icon-mainInput border (focused)
color.form-input.focus.helpcolor.context.primary.icon-mainHelper text (focused)
color.form-input.error.bordercolor.context.danger.base-colorInput border (validation error)
color.form-input.error.helpcolor.context.danger.fg-mainError message text
color.form-input.success.bordercolor.context.success.base-colorInput border (validation success)
color.form-input.success.helpcolor.context.success.fg-mainSuccess message text
color.form-input.disabled.bg-regularcolor.context.default.bg-disabledInput background (disabled)
color.form-input.disabled.bordercolor.context.default.fg-slightInput border (disabled)

Badge Colors

Badge tokens reference context solid backgrounds for prominent display.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.badge.default.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-solidDefault badge text
color.badge.default.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-solidDefault badge background
color.badge.primary.fg-maincolor.context.primary.fg-solidPrimary badge text
color.badge.primary.bg-maincolor.context.primary.bg-solidPrimary badge background
color.badge.danger.fg-maincolor.context.danger.fg-solidDanger badge text
color.badge.danger.bg-maincolor.context.danger.bg-solidDanger badge background

Available badge variants: default, primary, secondary, neutral, danger, success, warning, info

Alert & Notification Colors

Alert components have color tokens for title, body, icon, and border.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.alert.default.fg-titlecolor.context.default.fg-mainAlert title text
color.alert.default.fg-bodycolor.context.default.fg-mainAlert body text
color.alert.default.iconcolor.context.default.icon-mainAlert icon
color.alert.default.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-evidentAlert background
color.alert.default.border-maincolor.context.default.border-mainAlert border
color.alert.danger.fg-titlecolor.context.danger.fg-mainDanger alert title
color.alert.danger.iconcolor.context.danger.icon-mainDanger alert icon
color.alert.danger.bg-maincolor.context.danger.bg-evidentDanger alert background

Available alert variants: default, primary, secondary, neutral, danger, success, warning, info

Dropdown menu items have colors for idle, hover, active, and disabled states.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.dropdown.fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-mainDropdown item text (idle)
color.dropdown.bg-idlecolor.context.default.transparent-colorDropdown item background (idle)
color.dropdown.icon-idlecolor.context.default.icon-mainDropdown item icon (idle)
color.dropdown.fg-hovercolor.context.default.fg-highlightDropdown item text (hover)
color.dropdown.bg-hovercolor.context.default.bg-highlightDropdown item background (hover)
color.dropdown.fg-activecolor.context.primary.fg-solidDropdown item text (selected)
color.dropdown.bg-activecolor.context.primary.bg-solidDropdown item background (selected)
color.dropdown.fg-headercolor.context.default.fg-subtleDropdown header text
color.dropdown.fg-disabledcolor.context.default.fg-slightDropdown item text (disabled)

Date Picker Colors

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.date-picker.fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-mainCalendar date (default)
color.date-picker.bg-idlecolor.context.default.transparent-colorCalendar date background (default)
color.date-picker.fg-hovercolor.context.default.fg-mainCalendar date (hover)
color.date-picker.bg-hovercolor.context.default.bg-evenCalendar date background (hover)
color.date-picker.fg-activecolor.context.white.base-colorSelected date text
color.date-picker.bg-activecolor.context.default.cue-mainSelected date background
color.date-picker.fg-rangecolor.context.default.fg-idleDate in range text
color.date-picker.bg-rangecolor.context.default.bg-highlightDate in range background
color.date-picker.fg-todaycolor.context.default.cue-mainToday's date text
color.date-picker.fg-weekendcolor.context.default.fg-subtleWeekend date text
color.date-picker.fg-outsidecolor.context.default.fg-slightOutside month date text

Table Colors

Table components have color tokens for headers, rows, and interactive states.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.table.fg-headcolor.context.default.fg-mainTable header text
color.table.bg-headcolor.context.default.bg-evidentTable header background
color.table.fg-datacolor.context.default.fg-mainTable cell text
color.table.bg-datacolor.context.default.bg-mainTable cell background
color.table.bg-altcolor.context.default.bg-evenAlternating row background
color.table.bg-hovercolor.context.default.bg-evidentRow background (hover)
color.table.bg-activecolor.context.default.bg-highlightRow background (selected)
color.table.bg-editcolor.palette.warning.10Row background (edit mode)
color.table.cue-activecolor.context.default.cue-mainActive row indicator
color.table.border-maincolor.context.default.border-subtleTable borders
color.table.icon-sortcolor.context.default.fg-subtleSort indicator icon

Pagination Colors

Pagination components have color tokens for page numbers and navigation.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.pagination.fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-mainPage number text (idle)
color.pagination.bg-idlecolor.context.default.transparent-colorPage number background (idle)
color.pagination.border-idlecolor.context.default.border-mainPage number border (idle)
color.pagination.fg-hovercolor.context.default.fg-highlightPage number text (hover)
color.pagination.bg-hovercolor.context.default.bg-highlightPage number background (hover)
color.pagination.fg-currentcolor.context.primary.fg-solidCurrent page text
color.pagination.bg-currentcolor.context.primary.bg-solidCurrent page background
color.pagination.border-currentcolor.context.primary.base-colorCurrent page border
color.pagination.fg-disabledcolor.context.default.fg-slightDisabled page text

Accordion Colors

Accordion components have color tokens for title, body, and interaction states.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.accordion.item-fg-colorcolor.context.default.fg-mainAccordion item text
color.accordion.item-bg-colorcolor.context.default.bg-mainAccordion item background
color.accordion.title-fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-mainAccordion title text (collapsed)
color.accordion.title-bg-idlecolor.context.default.bg-mainAccordion title background (collapsed)
color.accordion.title-fg-activecolor.context.default.fg-mainAccordion title text (expanded)
color.accordion.title-bg-activecolor.context.default.bg-mainAccordion title background (expanded)
color.accordion.indicator-idlecolor.context.default.fg-mainExpansion indicator (collapsed)
color.accordion.indicator-activecolor.context.default.icon-mainExpansion indicator (expanded)
color.accordion.border-maincolor.context.default.border-subtleAccordion borders

Chip Colors

Chip/tag components follow the same variant system as badges.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.chip.default.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-solidDefault chip text
color.chip.default.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-solidDefault chip background
color.chip.primary.fg-maincolor.context.primary.fg-solidPrimary chip text
color.chip.primary.bg-maincolor.context.primary.bg-solidPrimary chip background
color.chip.danger.fg-maincolor.context.danger.fg-solidDanger chip text
color.chip.danger.bg-maincolor.context.danger.bg-solidDanger chip background

Available chip variants: default, primary, secondary, neutral, danger, success, warning, info

Card Colors

Card components have color tokens for background, content, and borders.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.card.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-mainCard content text
color.card.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-mainCard background
color.card.border-maincolor.context.default.border-mainCard border
color.card.bg-headercolor.context.default.bg-evenCard header background
color.card.bg-footercolor.context.default.bg-evenCard footer background

Modal dialogs and notification toasts have dedicated color tokens.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.modal.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-mainModal content text
color.modal.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-mainModal background
color.modal.bg-overlaycolor.context.default.dim-evidentModal backdrop overlay
color.modal.border-maincolor.context.default.border-mainModal border
color.notification.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-mainNotification text
color.notification.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-evidentNotification background
color.notification.iconcolor.context.default.icon-mainNotification icon
color.notification.border-maincolor.context.default.border-mainNotification border

List Colors

List components have color tokens for items and disclosure indicators.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.list.iconcolor.context.default.icon-mainList item icon
color.list.disclosurecolor.context.default.fg-subtleDisclosure indicator (chevron)

Navigation components including tabs, breadcrumbs, and sidebars.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.nav-top.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-evidentTop navigation background
color.nav-top.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-mainTop navigation text
color.nav-left.bg-maincolor.context.default.bg-evenSide navigation background
color.nav-left.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-mainSide navigation text
color.tab.fg-idlecolor.context.default.fg-subtleTab text (inactive)
color.tab.fg-activecolor.context.default.fg-mainTab text (active)
color.tab.border-activecolor.context.default.cue-mainActive tab indicator
color.breadcrumb.fg-maincolor.context.default.fg-subtleBreadcrumb link text
color.breadcrumb.fg-currentcolor.context.default.fg-mainCurrent page in breadcrumb

Progress & Section Colors

Progress indicators and content sections.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.progress.fg-pastcolor.context.neutral.contrast-colorCompleted step text
color.progress.bg-pastcolor.context.neutral.base-colorCompleted step background
color.progress.border-pastcolor.context.neutral.base-colorCompleted step border
color.progress.fg-currentcolor.context.primary.contrast-colorCurrent step text
color.progress.bg-currentcolor.context.primary.base-colorCurrent step background
color.progress.border-currentcolor.context.primary.base-colorCurrent step border
color.progress.fg-nextcolor.context.default.contrast-colorFuture step text
color.progress.bg-nextcolor.context.default.base-colorFuture step background
color.progress.border-nextcolor.context.default.base-colorFuture step border
color.section.fg-largecolor.context.default.fg-mainLarge section content
color.section.fg-mediumcolor.context.default.fg-mainMedium section content
color.section.fg-smallcolor.context.default.fg-mainSmall section content
color.section.icon-largecolor.context.default.icon-mainLarge section icons
color.section.icon-mediumcolor.context.default.icon-mainMedium section icons
color.section.icon-smallcolor.context.default.icon-mainSmall section icons

Message & Map Colors

Messaging interfaces and map components.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.message.bg-chatcolor.context.default.bg-evidentChat interface background
color.message.fg-formcolor.context.primary.base-colorMessage input text
color.message.bg-formcolor.context.default.bg-evenMessage input background
color.message.fg-receivedcolor.context.default.fg-mainReceived message text
color.message.bg-receivedcolor.context.default.bg-mainReceived message bubble
color.message.fg-sentcolor.context.default.fg-mainSent message text
color.message.bg-sentcolor.context.primary.bg-evenSent message bubble
color.map.marker-bgcolor.context.primary.base-colorMap marker background
color.map.marker-fgcolor.context.primary.contrast-colorMap marker icon
color.map.path-ridecolor.context.default.cue-mainRoute path (primary)
color.map.path-walkcolor.context.neutral.base-colorRoute path (walking)
color.map.trip-startcolor.context.success.base-colorStart point marker
color.map.trip-stopcolor.context.danger.base-colorEnd point marker

Page Colors

Page-level background colors for body and content sections.

Token NameReferencesApplied To
color.page.bg-bodycolor.context.default.bg-mainPage body background
color.page.bg-sectioncolor.context.default.bg-mainPage section background

Component color tokens follow consistent naming patterns: color.[component].[variant].[property]-[state]. They always reference context or palette colors, never hard-coded values, ensuring theme compatibility across light and dark modes.

Usage Guidelines

Choosing Between Token Levels

Use Palette Colors: Only when defining new context or component tokens in the Brand group

Use Context Colors: For most UI design work—backgrounds, text, borders, icons

Use Component Colors: When building or styling specific components for consistent application

Accessibility

Contrast Ratios: All token combinations maintain WCAG AA contrast requirements (4.5:1 for text, 3:1 for UI elements)

Color Blindness: Context colors are designed to be distinguishable beyond color alone (using patterns, icons, text)

Focus Indicators: Always use dedicated focus/cue colors for keyboard navigation

Dark Mode: Test all color combinations in both light and dark modes

Best Practices

Do:

  • Use semantic context colors (color.context.primary.*) over base palette colors
  • Reference component tokens when building UI components
  • Test color combinations in both light and dark themes
  • Use opacity tokens to create color variations consistently
  • Pair colors that reference each other (e.g., fg-main with bg-main)

Don't:

  • Use palette colors directly in components (use context colors)
  • Mix light and dark theme colors
  • Override token values with hard-coded colors
  • Ignore contrast requirements
  • Use color as the only means of conveying information