What Is BetterRecolor?
Last updated: April 3, 2026
BetterRecolor is a tool for batch-editing the button and text colors shown in-game.
When editing UI files manually, you need to find the target files, update multiple BRLYT and BRLAN files, and check for missed changes. BetterRecolor moves that work into color_config.json so the changes can be applied in a single workflow.
What It Does
- Batch-edits button and text colors
- Applies color settings to BRLYT files
- Applies outline colors to BRLAN files
- Runs in Google Colab or a local environment
- Writes generated files to
Output
Why Use Google Colab?
Google Colab lets you run BetterRecolor without setting up Python locally.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Less environment-dependent | Processing runs on an assigned cloud machine, so results are less affected by differences in your local PC setup. |
| No local setup required | You can install dependencies and run the tool from browser cells. |
If you are not familiar with Python or the internal game file structure, start with the Colab workflow.
Inputs and Outputs
BetterRecolor uses the following layout.
| Type | Location |
|---|---|
| Input | Assets/BRLYT and Assets/BRLAN |
| Color settings | color_config.json |
| Output | Output |
For the full run workflow, see the Quick Start.
Color Configuration
The main fields in color_config.json are:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
presets | Colors used by BRLYT files |
outline.free | BRLAN outline colors for the normal state |
outline.select | BRLAN outline colors for the selected state |
Use #RRGGBB for all color values.
Checking Colors in Switch Toolbox
Some entries in color_config.json, such as white and black, correspond to Pane colors that can be inspected in Switch Toolbox. A practical workflow is to preview the Pane in Switch Toolbox, choose the color you want, and then copy that value into color_config.json.
For example, MenuSingle.szs contains Panes such as:
| Pane Name | File Name |
|---|---|
fuchi_pattern2 (fuchi_pattern) | ./button/blyt/common_w004_menu.brlyt |
color_base2 (color_base) | ./button/blyt/common_w004_menu.brlyt |
color_yajirushi | ./button/blyt/common_w016_yajirushi_left.brlyt |
ability_graph2 (ability_graph) | ./control/blyt/common_w099_machine_ability.brlyt |
black_pt00 (black_parts_t_00) | ./control/blyt/common_w027_chara_name.brlyt |
TIP
When checking vanilla files, search for the Pane name shown in parentheses.
Open MenuSingle.szs in Switch Toolbox, inspect the target Pane, choose the desired color, update the corresponding value in color_config.json, and then run BetterRecolor.