Actually, I would get the bm software that allows you to upload a picture and use their personal color viewer. I think you can download it for a few bucks. One thing I'll say though is that be careful about choosing colors online...we've made that mistake one too many times!

I have to second robnj's post. The online colors are only to give you an idea of which color looks best but not an exact shade.

jeannema, it took me forever to figure out how to change colors on Photoshop and I'm still learning tricks on how to make it look better. You have to select out the area you want to color and then choose "fill layer" It allows you to choose colors off the wheel and also the opacity (thickness of the paint) For the longest time, I would photoshop in any pictures I wanted of plants, etc and THEN go over to the Ben Moore program and paint it. Ben Moore sometimes makes things really bright though and not realistic. I also found that if I lighten up the original photo, sometimes the paint turns out better. But not always. It's a struggle and makes me appreciate the really great photoshoppers on here.

Lindy

no kidding! I use the dropper method to pick the paint color from the palette (on the custom color pantone section) and then try to paint over the existing color with enough opacity so that the form isn't lost (like bricks, or whatever). However, this is super tricky and my stuff ends up looking like a kindergarten project. It gives me enough of an idea about whether or not the colors work, but not something I would share with others:-) Another method I use is the rubber stamp tool-- you can import a color swatch and rubber stamp it on low opacity, especially if it has a texture you want to see. But I am sure someone who really knows their stuff will reply and you're better off taking advice from them! This is the amateur PS method, as in, better than nothin'.

the ps-ers here are really talented and I can't imagine how much time they put into this stuff.

I have Paint Shop Pro as well as the basic version of PhotoShop, and honestly, when doing paint colors I always turn to the paint manufacturers software. Speedier, simpler.

I've always sketched out my own flowerbeds (works better with my brain for some reason). Don't do those kinds of virtuals as much here in recent years due to time constraints, but occasionally family, neighbor will ask a favor so I use freebie software I got from a contractor or PSP.

I'll list the paint software I have, the price, and what I see as advantages/disadvantages.

BM: Disadvantage: Costly in comparison to others ($15-$25). Glitchy at times, tends to hang and sometimes crash on my PC when working with multiple colors/areas. Advantages: a handful of reds that come out "truer" rather than turning pink or screaming neon. Has a couple blacks that are "true" black. Colors often look cartoony unless original photo has lightness/contrast tweaked well. *I've seen coupons in Decor Magazines, etc. around holidays with a coupon to get this software free. Check current magazines with spring and holidays coming.

Lowes: Probably my favorite! (Have two versions, older without Martha Stewart and newer with her color palette). Advantages: Price is $5. Easy to use, never gets glitchy or hangs. Colors look more 'realistic'. HUGE advantage: lighter colors don't have that glowing neon look as much as other paint software. Disadvantages: has reds but they aren't rich or "true". No good true black.

Pittsburgh Paints: Advantages: easy to use. Well laid out palette (in blocks by family, darkest to lightest). Cost is middle of the road at about $10. Disadvantages: tends to lean toward cartoony at times. No true red or black, minimal choices of shades of white.

Faron recently mentioned Ace Hardware has paint software, so I want to add that to my collection. ;)

In any of the software above, no colors are true to their name. Between the software itself, computer graphics card and monitor, it just won't be a match. Best used in reverse, find a color/undertone you like and let that be your guide to finding real swatches in those colors. Great tool for rapidly ruling out what does not work.