> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://motion-studio.mtmograph.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://motion-studio.mtmograph.com/ae-extension/color/linked-color-palettes.md).

# Linked Color Palettes

Change every instance of a color across layers, compositions, or the entire project from a single swatch.

<figure><img src="https://2974066525-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0OafyB2j0nkNsYkvQzdr%2Fuploads%2F1LBm2NuYFi71BIqHPpij%2FLinked%20color%20palette.png?alt=media&amp;token=da1fea64-4c41-4732-bf84-740ad50253e1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Description

**Linked Color Palettes** collect the colors already used in your project into a palette where each swatch is linked to the properties that use it. Change a swatch, and every linked fill, stroke, and effect color updates with it, across every layer and composition in the scope.

No expressions, no Color Control rigs, and no adjustment layers. The project does not need to be built for it in advance.

{% hint style="info" %}
A regular palette is a static set of swatches you apply by clicking. A Linked Palette is built from colors already in the project, and each swatch stays bound to the properties that use it.
{% endhint %}

### Setup

1. Open the Palettes overlay in the Motion Studio
2. Go to the Linked tab
3. Create a Linked Palette
4. Choose a Scope: Selection, Composition, or Project
5. Edit a swatch to update every linked property

***

### Scope

The scope decides which colors are collected and linked.

**Selection**\
Links the colors in the selected layers only. Use for a single element or rig.

**Composition**\
Links every color in the active composition. Use for a full scene.

**Project**\
Links matching colors across every composition in the project. Use for a brand-wide color swap.

### Editing Linked Colors

**Edit a swatch**\
Every fill, stroke, and effect color linked to the swatch updates.

**Edit a layer**\
Editing a linked color directly on a layer updates all other properties linked to that color.

<figure><img src="https://2974066525-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0OafyB2j0nkNsYkvQzdr%2Fuploads%2FoHSmLK1qV0FSpQo2bls6%2Fupdate-color.gif?alt=media&amp;token=0b9a9d63-3864-4f1a-8043-2b0365c2348b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Motion Studio App

Linked Palettes have additional controls in the Motion Studio desktop app. Both apply to every linked property at once.

**Generate**\
Replaces the whole palette with a random new set of colors.

**Shuffle**\
Rearranges the existing colors across the linked properties. Try a different color assignment without introducing new values.

<figure><img src="https://2974066525-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0OafyB2j0nkNsYkvQzdr%2Fuploads%2Fmkv2TJIkH9tXM1xQOuXp%2Fshuffle.gif?alt=media&amp;token=82bd59c8-7f47-4b53-90b6-b2efab8949f2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>