Guides & Tutorials
Can reMarkable 2 Write in Color? The Secret to Red & Blue Ink
The reMarkable 2 is famous for being “monochrome.” It markets itself as a distraction-free device that mimics the simplicity of charcoal on paper. The screen is physically incapable of displaying anything other than 16 shades of gray. Because of this, most new users assume that their notes are stuck in a black-and-white world forever.
But then, you see a screenshot online of someone’s reMarkable notes with vibrant yellow highlights and red correction marks. You ask yourself: “Can reMarkable 2 write in color?” The answer is a fascinating mix of hardware limitations and software magic. While you can’t see the colors while you are writing, you absolutely can create colored documents. In this guide, we explain the “Ghost Color” system, how to use it, and why it’s a game-changer for professionals.
The Short Answer: Yes and No
When you ask “**can remarkable 2 write in color**,” the answer depends on where you are looking.
- On the Tablet Screen: No. The screen uses E Ink Carta technology, which only has black and white particles. A “Red” line will appear as dark gray. A “Yellow” highlight will appear as light gray.
- On the Computer/Phone: Yes. The software records the metadata of the stroke as “Red” or “Blue.” When you open the file on your laptop or export it as a PDF, the colors appear in full vibrancy.
This feature is designed for people who review documents on the tablet but share them with colleagues who use standard color screens.
How to Select Colors
Even though the screen is monochrome, the software menus allow you to select colors. For a deeper dive into the tools, check out reMarkable’s official support page on writing tools. Here is how to access them:
For Pens (Ballpoint, Fineliner, Marker)
Tap the pen tool in the sidebar. You will see color circles for Black, Gray, White, Blue, and Red.
Tip: Use “Blue” for your daily writing. It looks like dark gray on the device, but when you email the notes to yourself, it looks like professional blue ink.
For Highlighters
Tap the highlighter tool. You will see options for Yellow, Green, and Pink.
Tip: The “Yellow” highlighter is the most popular. On the device, it looks like a faint gray wash. On a computer, it looks like standard neon yellow.
The “Ghost Color” Experience
Writing in “Ghost Color” requires a bit of trust. You have to trust that the gray line you are drawing will turn red later. Here is how different colors render on the reMarkable 2 screen vs the export:
| Tool Setting | On Device (Screen) | On Export (PDF) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pen | Dark Gray | Bright Red |
| Blue Pen | Dark Gray | Royal Blue |
| Yellow Highlighter | Very Light Gray | Neon Yellow |
| Green Highlighter | Light Gray | Neon Green |
Exporting: Where the Magic Happens
The answer to “**can remarkable 2 write in color**” is fully revealed when you hit “Send.”
There are three ways to see your colors:
- Live Screen Share: If you connect your tablet to the desktop app and use “Screen Share” during a Zoom call, your lines will appear in color on your computer screen in real-time as you draw them on the gray tablet. This is amazing for presentations.
- PDF Export: When you email a notebook or sync it to Google Drive, the resulting PDF will have all the colors preserved.
- Mobile App: If you open the reMarkable app on your iPhone, your notes will be in full color.
The Paper Pro Difference
If the “Ghost Color” system sounds frustrating, you have another option in 2026. The reMarkable Paper Pro (released late 2024) answers the question “**can remarkable 2 write in color**” by replacing the device entirely.
The Paper Pro uses a “Canvas Color” display (Gallery 3 technology) that actually shows colored ink particles on the screen. When you select Red, you see Red. When you select Yellow, you see Yellow. It is expensive ($579 vs $399), but for artists and visual thinkers, seeing the color while you write is worth the upgrade.
Final Verdict
So, **can remarkable 2 write in color**?
Technically: No
The screen is grayscale. You will never see red on the device itself.
Functionally: Yes
The files are in color. You can highlight documents in yellow, grade papers in red, and sign contracts in blue. You just have to view the final result on a different screen.
For most professionals, this “Export Only” color is enough. It allows you to keep the distraction-free benefits of the monochrome screen while still producing professional, color-coded documents for your team.
Color-Code Your Life
Use the hidden color features with templates designed for organization. Our planners use layers compatible with color highlighting.