Guide · Open source
How to use Catppuccin: clone the palette and apply it
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Catppuccin is a community-driven pastel color palette with four named flavors, each containing 26 colors. This guide explains what the repository contains, how to get a local copy, and how to find the colors and guidance you need to apply the palette to your editor, terminal or design work. It is written for readers who are comfortable with a terminal and a text editor but are not necessarily developers.
Catppuccincatppuccin/catppuccin · ★ 19.9k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/catppuccin/catppuccin to get the palette, docs and assets locally.
- 2Read the palette. Open the palette section of the README and choose one of the four flavors.
- 3Note the color values. Copy the hex, RGB or HSL values for the colors you need, using the color names for clarity.
- 4Check for an existing port. Look in the Ports section of the README and the catppuccin/palette project for your editor or terminal.
- 5Apply the colors. Use the port if one exists, or set the hex values in your tool's settings.
- 6Follow the style guide. Read docs/style-guide.md for general use cases and guidelines.
What Catppuccin is and what this repository contains
Catppuccin is a pastel theme meant to sit between low-contrast and high-contrast themes. The project describes its goal as a middle ground: colorful enough to tell parts of a interface apart, but not so bright or dull that it strains the eye under different lighting.
This repository holds the palette definition, the project documentation, and shared assets. It is the palette source, not a standalone program. The README points to separate projects for framework and tool integrations, so you will usually reach for those when you want a ready-made theme.
- Four flavors, each with 26 colors
- Palette definition and documentation in this repository
- Shared logos and assets for the organization
- Links to separate ports and integrations
Get a local copy of the repository
The README's install instruction is to clone the repository. This gives you the palette definition, the docs folder and the assets on your own machine. The source lists no prerequisites beyond what cloning needs.
git clone https://github.com/catppuccin/catppuccinChoose a flavor and find its colors
The palette has four flavors, named Latte, Frappé, Macchiato and Mocha. The README lists each flavor's 26 colors with a label, hex value, RGB value and HSL value. Latte is the light option; the other three are darker. Pick the flavor that fits your background and comfort level.
Each color has a name such as Rosewater, Flamingo, Pink or Mauve. Use the hex codes when you configure a tool, and the names when you want to keep your settings readable to other people.
- Latte: the light flavor
- Frappé, Macchiato and Mocha: the darker flavors
- Hex, RGB and HSL values are listed for every color
Apply Catppuccin to your editor or terminal
This repository does not provide a ready-to-install theme for a specific editor or terminal. For that, the README points to separate ports and integrations, which are maintained in other projects. Check the Ports section of the README and the catppuccin/palette project for the tool you use.
If you need to add Catppuccin colors to a tool that has no port, use the palette values and the project's style guide. The style guide covers general use cases and guidelines for using the palette in your own project.
- Look for an existing port for your editor or terminal first
- Use the hex codes from the palette if you build your own theme
- Follow the style guide in docs/style-guide.md for consistent use
Use Catppuccin in design work
Designers can use the same palette across projects so that interfaces feel consistent. The README describes the palette as suitable for both coding and design. Keep the color names and values from the palette rather than eyeballing shades, so that your work matches the published colors.
Before committing to the palette for a product, test it under the lighting and display conditions your users will have, since the project's design philosophy stresses suitability under various light conditions.
Know when Catppuccin is not the right fit
Catppuccin is a soft, warm scheme. The README describes it as a middle ground rather than a high-contrast option, so it may not meet accessibility requirements that call for high contrast. If you need a ready-to-run program, this repository alone will not give you one.
Comparable palettes include Dracula, Nord, Solarized and Gruvbox. Compare them on the contrast and color mix you need before choosing.
What people use it for
- Setting a pastel color scheme in an editor or terminal by applying a port or your own hex values
- Keeping colors consistent across design mockups and projects using the same palette
- Adding Catppuccin colors to a tool you maintain, guided by the style guide
- Comparing a soft, warm palette against high-contrast options before choosing a theme
Frequently asked questions
Is Catppuccin free to use?
The repository is licensed under MIT, which the source lists as its licence. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms before you reuse the palette in a project.
How do I install Catppuccin?
The README's install step is to clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/catppuccin/catppuccin. Cloning gives you the palette definition and docs, not a ready-to-install theme for a specific tool.
Does Catppuccin have a VS Code or terminal theme?
This repository does not provide one itself. The README points to separate ports and integrations for frameworks and tools, so check the Ports section and the catppuccin/palette project for your editor or terminal.
What are the Catppuccin flavors?
Catppuccin has four named flavors: Latte, Frappé, Macchiato and Mocha. Each contains 26 colors, and Latte is the light option.
Is Catppuccin good for accessibility?
The README describes Catppuccin as a middle ground between low and high-contrast themes, not a high-contrast option. If your project requires high contrast, test the colors or consider a different palette.
How does Catppuccin compare to Dracula or Nord?
The source lists Dracula, Nord, Solarized and Gruvbox as comparable projects. Catppuccin is a soft pastel scheme, so compare contrast and color mix against your needs before choosing.
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Our verdict
Catppuccin suits developers and designers who want a soft, colorful palette with four flavors and documented hex values. It is a poor fit if you need a ready-to-install app, official ports for a specific tool that this repository does not contain, or high-contrast colors for accessibility requirements.
Install options & downloads