Analog Mix – Technical Documentation & User Manual

1. Executive Summary

Analog Mix is an advanced physical color mixing calculator based on the RYB (Red-Yellow-Blue) color theory. The Flutter app is designed for artists, painters, and designers who require precise physical color mixes. The core function of the app is to analyze a target color (selected via hex code, camera, or gallery) and calculate an optimal mixing recipe from the user’s selected physical base colors using a hybrid algorithm (rule-based approximation + Monte Carlo simulation).

2. Architecture & Tech Stack

The app is modern and modular, built according to Flutter development best practices:

• State Management: flutter_riverpod (^2.4.0) for reactive and robust state management.
• Routing: go_router (^12.0.0) for clean, path-based navigation.
• Local Database / Storage: shared_preferences (^2.2.2) is used as lightweight local storage for the mixing history, selected palettes, and user statistics (Usage Stats).
• Color Calculation & Image Processing:

* image_picker and image for selecting and decoding photos. * Specific, compute-intensive tasks (such as decoding images and the Monte Carlo color mixing) are designed to run asynchronously (ideally via Isolates) to keep the UI smooth.

• Monetization: google_mobile_ads (ad banners) and in_app_purchase (premium upgrades).
• Other Packages: in_app_review for app store ratings, intl for localization.

3. Detailed Feature Guide

3.1. Palette Selection

Users first define their inventory of colors.

• Quick Select: Allows for the fast addition of predefined color sets (e.g., Standard RYB).
• Premium Palettes: Advanced color sets (e.g., “CMYK Set”, “Portrait”) are locked behind a Pro paywall.

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3.2. Color Picker

The core of color selection offers maximum precision:

• Sources: Import via camera, photo gallery, or direct input of a 6-digit hex code.
• Precision Magnifier: When dragging over an imported image, a custom-implemented magnifier with crosshairs appears, allowing for pixel-perfect color selection.
• Tolerance Slider: Enables adjustment of the tolerance range during color selection.

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3.3. Mixing Engine & Analysis (RYB Color Mixer)

The heart of the app. Mixing is performed by converting the colors into the RYB color space:

• Rule-Based Approach: First, it checks if there are classic mixtures (e.g., Sap Green + White).
• Monte Carlo Algorithm: If no simple rules apply, the algorithm simulates thousands of mixing combinations (up to 50,000 iterations in exact mode), evaluates their Euclidean distance in the color space, and provides the best approximation.

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3.4. Results & Warning Systems (Mixing Screen)

• Target vs. Result: Displays the selected target color next to the simulated mixed color.
• Confidence Score: A percentage match value (e.g., 95% Match).
• Dirty Brush Warning: The app warns the user if complementary colors (e.g., red and green) are mixed, as this can lead to a “muddy” color.
• Physics / Gamut Warning: Warning for physically impossible mixtures (e.g., neon-colored or extremely bright cyan tones) where physical pigments reach their limits.

Recipe Display & Units: The calculated recipe can be dynamically displayed in Parts, Drops, or Tips*.

• Simplicity Slider: A slider controls the complexity of the recipe:

Simple:* Max. 2 colors (preferably primary colors). Balanced:* Max. 3 colors. Exact (Pro):* Max. 4 colors for maximum match.

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4. Privacy & Security

The app is strictly designed Offline-First and is ideal for complying with App Store / Google Play privacy guidelines:

• No Data Collection: No personal user data is sent to external servers.
• Local Processing: All images selected via the camera or gallery are analyzed and processed exclusively locally on the device.
• Storage: The history and configurations are stored purely locally in the SharedPreferences.

Note:* Standard guidelines for Google Mobile Ads apply.

5. Monetization

The app uses a Freemium model:

• Ads: In the free version, banner ads (AdBanner) are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
• Pro Version (In-App Purchase): A paid upgrade unlocks the following premium features:

Unlimited History:* Removal of the limit of a maximum of 3 saved recipes. Expert Mixes:* Unlocking the “Exact” mode (mixture of up to 4 colors). Premium Palettes:* Access to special sets like CMYK and Portrait colors. Ad-Free:* (Usually bundled with the Pro upgrade).

6. User Guide (Step-by-Step)

1. Select Colors: Start the app and select the physical colors you have available on the “Select Your Paints” screen. Use “Standard RYB” to begin with. 2. Define Target Color: Tap “Next” to go to the color picker. Take a photo, select an image from the gallery, or enter a hex code. 3. Pixel-Perfect Selection: If you are using an image, tap and hold the image. Drag the magnifier over the exact spot whose color you want to recreate. 4. Generate Recipe: Tap “Generate Mixing Recipe”. The app will now calculate the best mixing ratio. 5. Adjust Recipe: On the mixing screen, you can use the slider (Simplicity Slider) to choose whether you want a simple recipe (fewer colors) or an exact recipe (better match). Select your preferred unit (Parts, Drops, Tips). 6. Mix Color: Follow the instructions in the recipe. Pay attention to any warnings (e.g., “Dirty Brush”) and clean your brush between complementary pigments. 7. Save: Click the save icon in the top right corner to save successful mixes for later in the history.