Color/Legends

"The use of Imperial Scarlet predominated, with gold, silver, blue and green accenting various features. Just when the clash of color would become too much, we'd walk past an alcove or a wall panel that housed artwork from one of the myriad planets in the galaxy"

- Corran Horn

Colors were visual properties that derived from the light spectrum. Colors were often culturally significant in the galaxy.

Color symbolism in the Republican and Imperial societies
In the time of the Galactic Republic, red was prominently displayed as a symbol of diplomatic affiliation, and so many ambassadorial capital ships were painted red. Any consular ship hailing directly from Galactic City was colored red all over its hull, while others would only bear stripes in that hue. Under the Galactic Empire, some of those habits were seemingly kept in use, for what was called "Republic red" followed the teaching of seemingly co-opting the republican traditions. Emperor Palpatine personally favored the color scarlet as it featured prominently on the family crest of House Palpatine. His preference for several variations of the color red, including crimson and burgundy, were reflected through the interior design of his private apartments, as well as the uniforms of the Red Guard and their Imperial successors. Because it was the color of Human blood, red was also associated with murder.
 * Red

Blue was associated with chancellorship in the waning days of the Republic, and lavender drapes were known to have hung in the Grand Convocation Chamber. Indeed, lavender blue was the only shade that had never been historically associated with war, anger or mourning in any civilization within the Republic. Chancellor Finis Valorum and Senator Palpatine would often adorn blue coats or robes to express their interest in leading the Republic. In the old Jedi Order, a blue lightsaber blade was traditionally associated with the Jedi Guardians, whose talents lay in martial skills. Despite its previous positive associations, blue was the color of shame and disgrace in the late Imperial culture.
 * Blue

As green was the color of many plant life, it was generally perceived in a positive light, and was a symbol of life and youth. Lush planets were commonly described as "green" (such as Kashyyyk, Onderon, Naboo, Yavin 4 or the Green Coruscant). At the time of the Cold War, green was adopted by the Corellian Jedi to show their devotion to the ancient flag of Corellia. They began to wear emerald robes, and this tradition lasted until the time of Corran Horn. Additionally, Jedi Consulars often used green bladed lightsabers to symbolize their commitment to peace.
 * Green

Black was generally associated with night and evil, especially the Sith. The color "Sith black" was considered a symbol of their ancient dread. In the culture of the Galactic Empire, black was also considered a symbol of victory.
 * Black

A light medium gray was the traditional hue the Empire chose for its ships and stations. The aim was to make the Imperial presence recognizable at glance, and to instill fear by insisting on the weapons' power and not on their appearance. Though some distinctive unit markings did exist, they still were marginal. While the color white was associated with the Force by some (such as the the White Current of the Fallanassi), it was also chosen by the Empire for its elite force of stormtroopers. Their full anonymous armor was chosen by designers who knew that what people couldn't see was more terrifying than what the Empire could do. For the full paint job of large spaceship, "Star Destroyer White" was the only industrial shade of paint that was available at reasonable prices. Sheets of paper were usually white, and so was the fur of creatures such as the Hoojibs of Arbra and the Wampas of Hoth.
 * Gray
 * White

The color yellow was associated with lies in the Imperial culture. When the mutant warlord Trioculus met the fake Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side, the pseudo-Kadann, he told him he was the son of the late Palpatine. The fake Kadann then crushed a yellow chalk ball in his hand, meaning he did not believe Trioculus' claim. Back in the days of the Old Republic, Jedi Sentinels often owned yellow-bladed sabers.
 * Yellow

Ultraviolet colors
Some species (like the Hutts or the Kaminoans) could view more colors than others, notably those who could view light in the ultraviolet. Such extra colors included berl, crynor, nusp, and onsible. They are the only known ultraviolet colors.

Colors as a language
The reptilian Tarasin from Cularin used to express their ideas or emotions through a complex system of skin color changes. For example, their light green skin changing to purple indicated amusement. Though much of their Tarasin Skintone Language actually couldn't express complex series of thoughts, the changing colors of the skin could be used to give basic directions without speech while the Tarasin were hunting or attempting to evade the massive kilassin that roam the jungles of their homeworld.

Similarly, the skull feathers of the avian Fosh would shift color depending on their mood. Green indicated inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness or amusement; orange was a sign of happiness; and gray reflected anger, disgust, irritation or seriousness.

In the Gree language, colors were used in conjunction with geometric shapes to make expression patterns. It seems that color-related terms mostly filled function.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
 * Star Wars: The Old Republic