# Rule 5: Muted, purposeful color

## Intent

Use color sparingly and intentionally to guide attention rather than decorate every mark.

## Pass signals

- Mostly neutral palette with selective emphasis
- Color draws attention to the most important series or point
- Accessible contrast

## Fail signals

- Saturated red, green, or blue across all marks
- Rainbow palette without meaning
- Too many competing highlight colors
- Color is the only way to distinguish categories when labels could help

## Reviewer guidance

If the chart is otherwise sound, recommend softening the palette before proposing larger redesigns.
