Choose colored pencils for the work you want to make. Compare core feel for blending or detail, the colors in a set, whether individual colors are sold separately, and the paper you will use. If finished work will be displayed, look for manufacturer lightfastness information for the exact colors. Brand descriptions are not a shared standard, so check the maker's own specifications and try a small set before building a large collection.
Choose colored pencils by the artwork you want to make, then compare core feel, color selection, replacement options and paper. There is no single best core for every hand or technique, so the maker’s description and a small sample set are more useful than the number of pencils in the box.
Compare the core feel
Colored pencil lines can differ in how firmly the core feels on paper and how it layers. Prismacolor describes its Premier Soft Core pencils as having creamy cores for blending and shading. It describes Scholar pencils as having hardened cores designed to resist breakage while still allowing blending. Those are descriptions of Prismacolor’s products, not a universal scale shared by every manufacturer.
If you want layered blending and broad color coverage, look for a maker’s description of a softer core. If you prefer controlled marks or a point that holds for detail, compare firmer-core options. Try the pencils on the paper you plan to use, since paper texture and pressure affect how a mark looks.
Choose a useful color range
- Set contents: Check the actual color names or numbers, not only the set count. Choose hues that fit your subject and avoid paying for many colors you will rarely use.
- Individual replacements: See whether the maker sells single pencils or replacement colors. Keep the color name and number from the pencil or set list.
- Display work: If the artwork will be kept or shown, check lightfastness information by color. It can differ within a set, so do not assume every pencil has the same resistance to fading.
- Paper and sharpener: Consider the paper surface you plan to use and whether your existing sharpener accepts the pencil size. If possible, test a few strokes and a sharpened point before buying a large collection.
Match the pencil to the project
For practice, sketchbooks and casual illustration, a modest set with useful color choices can be enough. For detailed work, compare the maker’s information on core firmness and how well it keeps a point. For color mixing, try the pencils on your paper and see how many layers it accepts before the surface is full. Paper choice matters too; our watercolor paper guide explains paper weight and surface texture for wet media, and those surface considerations also help when choosing a drawing surface.
Before buying, check the product page for core type, exact color list, single-pencil availability and any lightfastness information. See our acrylic, oil and watercolor comparison for other art-medium decisions, or browse the art supplies category.
Official references
Common questions
Are soft or hard colored pencils better for beginners?
Either can suit a beginner. A softer core is easier to lay down and blend in some product lines, while a firmer core is easier to keep pointed. Compare the maker's description and choose for the kind of marks you want.
Should I buy a large colored pencil set?
Start with the colors you expect to use and check whether individual pencils are available. A smaller set can make it easier to learn the core and paper before investing in a larger range.
What does lightfastness mean for colored pencils?
Lightfastness describes how well a pigment resists fading when exposed to light. For display artwork, check the manufacturer's information for each color rather than assuming an entire set has the same properties.