The present invention provides a plurality of representations of color that are stored in an electronic color library and that can be selected by a user. After a color selection is made, a plurality of color ink formulas and/or colorant formulas capable of producing the selected color are provided. Further, other selections can be made to define a substrate or other criteria that can impact the color ink formulas. The user can make a selection among the plurality of color ink formulas and/or colorant formulas. The selected color ink formula(s) (or colorant formula(s)) can be transmitted over a communication network, such as the Internet or a local Intranet to another party, such as an ink manufacturer.