Creating Visually Distinct Colors

This question has been addressed in various StackOverflow discussions, but a universally optimal solution remains elusive. However, advancements in color theory and algorithms provide several promising methods.

Arbitrary Number of Colors (N)

• Colour Displays for Categorical Images: Offers a methodology for generating perceptually distinct colors, available as a free download.
• A WEB SERVICE TO PERSONALISE MAP COLOURING: Will provide a web service solution for personalized map coloring.
• An Algorithm for the Selection of High-Contrast Color Sets: Provides a free C implementation of a high-contrast color selection algorithm.
• High-contrast sets of colors: The seminal paper introducing an algorithm for this problem.

Finite and Relatively Small N

• A Colour Alphabet and the Limits of Colour Coding: Explores the concept of a "color alphabet" and discusses its limitations.
• Boynton's list of 11 colors that are almost never confused: Available in the aforementioned paper on high-contrast color sets.
• Kelly's 22 colors of maximum contrast: Also found in the same paper.
• Palette by an MIT student: An interesting selection of distinct colors.

Converting Between Color Systems

• : Converts between different color systems (NBS/ISCC).
• : Converts between Munsell HVC and RGB/HSB/HSL.
• : A comprehensive resource on color theory and conversion.

RGB Values for Kelly's and Boynton's Lists