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.aco

Photoshop color swatches

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ACO stores Photoshop color swatches, not an image or brush. Import it through the Swatches panel rather than as a picture. Check RGB/CMYK interpretation and color profiles when exchanging colors.

Main use
Importing Photoshop color swatches
Data type
Binary data / document
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Example: a practical checking sequence

Example: import a brand ACO through Swatches rather than File → Open. Preserve existing sets and compare color names/counts and RGB/CMYK requirements. Use supported exchange for other apps; ACO does not restore photos or artwork layout.

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Import into Photoshop

Preserve existing swatches before importing.

  1. Open Window → Swatches.
  2. Use the panel’s import/load command to select ACO; labels vary by version.
  3. Check imported groups and color counts and distinguish existing sets.
Transfer colors to another app

Check the receiver’s supported palette format.

  1. Inspect the ACO colors in Photoshop.
  2. Use supported exchange export, such as ASE, when appropriate.
  3. Compare color mode and values in the receiving app.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Image opening fails: it is a palette; use the Swatches panel.
  • Missing colors: check imported groups and display filters.
  • Old colors disappear: check replace versus import behavior and restore saved sets.
  • Color differs: compare mode, profile and viewing/printing conditions.
  • Illustrator import fails: distinguish ACO from ASE and use supported exchange export.

ACO → supported palette exchange

  1. Load the swatches in Photoshop.
  2. Choose a receiver-supported format and export through supported tools.
  3. Verify names, count, modes and values at the destination.

Matching numerical values do not ensure identical appearance; color management and print conditions matter. Renaming ACO to JPEG does not create an image.

A palette is not the artwork

Importing ACO does not restore shapes, layout or photos; it reuses colors only.

Source for these steps：Adobe · Manage color swatches and swatch libraries

Color handoff

CMYK printing and RGB display have different needs; record required mode and output conditions for brand colors.

  • Compare names and counts.
  • Check supported swatch types.
  • Attach a visual reference when needed.

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / purposeUse and preserved information
ACOPhotoshop swatches.
ASESwatch exchange; the suffix also has another use.
PSDLayered image document.

Handling and security

Do not run unknown installers bundled with palettes; review asset usage terms.

Questions and answers

Is it a photograph?

No; it is a swatch library.

Does importing it restore artwork?

No; it supplies colors, not layout or images.

Is it the same as ASE?

No; use supported exchange export.

Does different color mean corruption?

Check color mode and profiles first.

Can I preserve existing swatches?

Back them up and distinguish import from replacement.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Adobe Color Swatch
Steward / specification
Adobe
MIME type
Check the producer or implementation; do not assume a single universal MIME value.

Primary and official sources