A color approval system that facilitates the use of electronic color submissions. The electronic color submissions contain reflectance values for a physical color sample to be submitted for approval. The system includes a data storage area accessible by a submitter of the electronic color sample and a reviewer of the color sample. The submitter upload the submission to the data storage area, from which the reviewer retrieves the submission and replies with an acceptance or rejection, typically via e-mail. The system provides tools for the analysis of the electronic color sample and automatic formation of acceptances and rejections.