Color by number apps have become incredibly popular in recent years. These apps allow users to relax and unwind by coloring in intricate scenes and designs on their smartphones and tablets. In this article, we will explore what color by number apps are, their key features, and some of the most popular options available.
What Are Color by Number Apps?
Color by number apps are digital coloring books that allow users to fill in intricate scenes and images on their mobile devices. They function similarly to physical coloring books, except rather than filling in shapes with crayons or colored pencils, users tap sections of the image on their touchscreen to fill them in with digital color.
The images in color by number apps are numbered, with each number corresponding to a specific color. By filling in each numbered section with the right color, users can create beautiful works of art. The numbering system makes the coloring process simple and meditative.
Color by number apps first gained popularity as stress relief tools. Coloring complex images requires focus and attention, allowing users to enter a state of relaxed concentration known as “flow.” This helps distract the mind from stressful or anxious thoughts. The apps provide an easily accessible way to de-stress anytime and anywhere.
In addition to relaxation, color by number apps also facilitate creativity and imagination. While the color palette and numbers provide guidance, users can still experiment with shades and color combinations. This allows for self-expression within the meditative coloring experience.
Key Features
While features vary across apps, most color by number mobile apps include:
Extensive Image Libraries
Color by number apps feature expansive libraries with thousands of intricate images to color. Categories span animals, nature, mandalas, fantasy art, anime characters, famous paintings, and more. Advanced apps use algorithms to generate endless coloring pages.
Color Palettes
Apps provide suggested color palettes that correspond with the number guides. Users can stick to the recommended shades for a cohesive look or experiment with custom colors. Palettes may include standard hues or more advanced options like gradients and glitter.
Zoom Capabilities
Zoom features allow users to scale images up and down to color tiny details or get a bigger picture view. This helps ensure a smooth, seamless coloring experience.
Drawing Tools
Many apps incorporate drawing tools like multi-tip markers, pencils, and paintbrushes. These options create a more dynamic coloring experience closer to physical mediums.
Relaxation Music
To enhance the relaxing nature of coloring, apps often include meditative background music. This creates an immersive environment.
Social Features
Some apps enable social connection through sharing finished artwork on social media or coloring collaboratively. These features foster community.
Benefits of Color by Number Apps
Color by number apps provide a range of benefits beyond just passing the time. Key perks include:
Stress Relief
As mentioned, the concentration involved in coloring provides a meditative escape from stressful thoughts. Studies show coloring can lower anxiety and stress hormone levels.
Improved Focus
The simple, repetitive nature of coloring improves users’ ability to focus intently on one relaxing activity. This can boost productivity and concentration skills.
Creativity Boost
While guided, coloring still involves making artistic choices that engage the imagination. Apps spark creative thinking.
Portability
Unlike physical coloring books, mobile apps allow coloring anywhere, anytime. This makes stress relief easily accessible.
Digital Features
Zooming, drawing tools, and undo features create a more advanced, user-friendly experience than traditional books.
Community
Social features foster positive connections and discussions about creativity.
Popular Color by Number Apps
With hundreds of options in the app stores, here are some of the top color by number mobile apps:
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment | iOS, Android | Over 2,500 designs, mixing palette, overlays for symmetry |
| Colorfy | iOS, Android | 100+ palettes, mosaic mode, shareable timelapse videos |
| Recolor | iOS, Android | Photo editing to transform pics into color by number designs |
| Color Therapy | Android | Over 9,000 pictures, detail zooming, screenshots to share |
| Color Planet | iOS | Level system with rewards, free without ads |
These are just a sampling of the top-rated apps for coloring by number on the go. Exploring the app store reveals dozens more excellent options. When selecting an app, key considerations include image variety, color palettes, and customization tools based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Color by number mobile apps provide an accessible, engaging coloring experience. Their guided format makes coloring stress-free, while still allowing for creativity. With expansive image libraries and advanced features like smart color recognition, color by number apps bring digital innovation to the classic pastime of coloring. As relaxing additions to your app library, they are worth downloading to de-stress and spark your imagination.