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Here’s the thing: if you want to customize Kodi’s colors, you’re stuck editing XML files manually. Changing them means digging through dozens of XML files, tweaking values, and manually checking contrast. It’s not exactly the workflow you dream of when all you want is a UI that matches your taste.
Skin Color Lab flips that model on its head. It separates color data from skin logic: pick a theme, the addon applies it dynamically, the skin consumes it automatically. Estuary ColorLab is a modified version of Estuary (the official Kodi 21 Omega skin) that I prepared as the reference implementation, it shows concretely how the framework works in practice.
How it works
The addon reads a theme file that contains colors (a structured text file, in JSON format) and makes them available to the skin dynamically. The skin can then automatically react to the colors you choose. The result is immediate: theme switching in clicks, light and dark themes living side-by-side, access to 28 professional palettes, random palette generation that respects contrast and accessibility rules.
All 28 built-in themes reach 100% coverage (indicator ●●●●● 100% in the theme editor), meaning every color variable the skin uses is explicitly defined.
Installation step by step
Step 1: add the repository source
In Kodi File Manager, add this source:
https://www.digitalking.it/kodi-repo/
Step 2: install the Skin Color Lab addon from ZIP
Open Add-ons > Install from zip file, browse the source you added, and install:
script.skincolorlab.zip
Step 3: launch Skin Color Lab from the Programs section
After installation:
- open the addon from Programs
- choose a theme
- apply the palette
This step is important because it initializes the dynamic color values before the skin starts using them.
Step 4: install Estuary ColorLab
Go back to Install from zip file and install:
skin.estuary.colorlab.zip
Because Estuary ColorLab is a fairly large skin package (around 5 MB) and the repository may respond slowly, the first installation can take longer than expected. After selecting the ZIP, wait patiently until Kodi completes the installation instead of interrupting the process too early.
Step 5: activate the skin
Once installed, switch your active skin to Estuary ColorLab. The skin will then consume the colors exported by Skin Color Lab.
Theme editor: real-time customization
The built-in editor is the heart of the system. Use it to build themes from scratch, tweak existing ones, or experiment with duplicates before finalizing.
It offers two layouts:
- Standard: optimized for remote and TV
- Touch-friendly: larger controls, better for mobile devices
Inside you can:
- see live color previews for each value
- edit HEX values manually or via Kodi’s color picker
- generate random palettes respecting contrast constraints
- multi-level undo/redo
- rename themes and update descriptions
After saving, the palette preview is generated automatically.
Essential settings
Inside the Skin Color Lab addon, you’ll find a few important settings that control how the system behaves:
Autoload theme on startup — Keeps your chosen theme even after Kodi restarts. Recommended: enabled.
Reload skin after applying — The skin reloads to apply the new colors. Recommended: enabled. Disable only if you’re testing and want to defer reloads.
Use touch-friendly theme editor — If Kodi is on a small screen device, enable this for larger controls and better spacing.
Enable service health snapshot logs — Diagnostic option. Useful for debugging or sharing logs with support. Fine to leave on for normal use.
Automatic updates
Skin Color Lab monitors the GitLab repository for updates to both components: script.skincolorlab and skin.estuary.colorlab. When found, it installs them in sequence (skin first, addon after) and notifies you what changed. You can configure the check interval (24h default).
For skin developers
If you’re building a Kodi skin and want to integrate it with Skin Color Lab, the process is structured and well documented.
The benefits for developers are clear: data-logic separation, easier maintenance, less code to maintain, cleaner evolution.
All technical details, integration examples, and the complete workflow are available in the GitLab README:
https://gitlab.com/personal4143605/skin-color-lab
FAQ about Skin Color Lab
Is Skin Color Lab only for Estuary ColorLab?
No. Estuary ColorLab is the modified version I prepared (based on official Estuary from Kodi 21 Omega) to show how the framework works concretely. But Skin Color Lab is designed for any compatible skin that integrates with the system.
Do I need to edit XML manually to use Skin Color Lab?
As a normal user, no. Install the addon, install a compatible skin, apply a theme, and the dynamic values are handled automatically. Manual XML work is relevant only if you are integrating the framework into your own skin.
Is it complicated to create a custom theme?
No. The built-in editor makes it simple and straightforward. Pick colors, see the preview in real time, and when you save, your theme is added automatically to your theme picker menu alongside the 28 built-in themes. From then on you can select it, edit it, or use it as a base for other themes — all without touching any XML files.
Conclusion
Skin Color Lab solves a concrete problem: personalize Kodi and build skins without getting your hands dirty with XML code. JSON themes, built-in editor, automatic updates, reference skin ready to go.
For users: custom UI in clicks, professional themes, visual consistency guaranteed. For developers: clean data-logic separation, less maintenance, smarter architecture.
If you want dynamic theming in Kodi without compromise, Skin Color Lab is the most mature and interesting framework available today.