Waveshare three-colour e-paper adds red or yellow accents to black and white for attention-grabbing signs and labels.
How It Works
Three-colour e-paper uses three sets of pigment particles (black, white, red/yellow). Each pixel can be one of three colours. Refresh time is longer (10-15 seconds) than black/white versions.
Specs
- Available in 2.13, 2.9, 4.2, and 7.5-inch sizes
- Three colours: black, white, red (or yellow)
- Refresh: 10-15 seconds (slower than B/W)
- No partial refresh on most colour models
Design Tips
- Use red sparingly for maximum impact — headings, alerts, prices.
- Red on white background is most attention-grabbing.
- Design in three layers: white background, black text/lines, red accents.
Python Code
from PIL import Image
# Create separate black and red images
black_img = Image.new('1', (400, 300), 255)
red_img = Image.new('1', (400, 300), 255)
# Draw black elements on black_img, red elements on red_img
# Display both layers
epd.display(epd.getbuffer(black_img), epd.getbuffer(red_img))Projects
- Retail price tags with red sale prices
- Warning signs with red alerts
- Calendar with red for today’s date
- Status board: green=OK (shown as white), red=alert
Frequently Asked Questions
Why so slow to refresh?
Three pigment layers need sequential positioning. 10-15 seconds is normal.
Partial refresh?
Not available on most colour models. Full refresh only.
How many colours?
Three: black, white, and one accent (red or yellow, depending on model).
Can I display photos?
With heavy dithering, simple images work. Not suitable for detailed photography.
Conclusion
Colour e-paper makes signs and labels pop with red accents on a clean black/white background.
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