Pika

Pika is an open-source web app and server that provides a native color picking experience for macOS. It allows designers to identify and capture colors from any location on the screen to use in other applications. The tool focuses on providing a fast way to extract color data from visual elements without leaving the current workspace.

The application is built specifically for macOS Sequoia and newer versions. Users can install the software via a direct download of the application bundle or through the Homebrew package manager using the cask command. This ensures that the tool integrates directly with the macOS desktop environment as a native utility.

Key features

• Color picking from any point on the screen
• Support for Hex, RGB, HSB, HSL, LAB, OpenGL, and OKLCH formats
• Keyboard shortcuts for picking and copying foreground and background colors
• URL scheme support for automation via pika:// triggers
• Integration with the native macOS system color picker
• Undo and redo functionality for previous color selections
• Capability to swap foreground and background colors

The tool is developed using Swift and SwiftUI, utilizing the Swift Package Manager for dependency management. It integrates the Sparkle framework for software updates and the Sweetercolor library for color extensions. The application includes a specific URL scheme that enables external automation, allowing users to trigger picks, copies, or format changes through system URLs. For example, users can call specific formats like hex or rgb directly through the URL trigger system to automate their design pipeline.

Beyond basic picking, the software supports advanced color spaces such as LAB and OKLCH, making it suitable for designers who work with precise color science. The inclusion of keyboard shortcuts for every major action, from swapping colors to changing formats, allows the user to maintain a high pace of work without relying on menu navigation.

Pika serves as a lightweight utility for macOS users who require a flexible color extraction tool for design workflows.