The Browser-Safe Palette only contains 216 colors out of a possible 256. That's because the remaining 40 colors vary on Macs and PCs. By eliminating the 40 variable colors, this palette is optimized for cross-platform use.

The only reason to use the browser-safe palette is if you have a concern that your Web design work will be viewed from a 256 color (8-bit) computer system. Today so few users have them, the justification for using the browser-safe palette has diminished greatly. It's now considered safe safe to design beyond the 216 color limits.

If you still have the inclination to use them, the palette is built into many programs including Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, GoLive, and just about any professional Web design and development tool.

Many clients don't have a lot of color picking confidence, and working with limited color choices may be easier. It's more important to know how to combine colors in pleasing and effective ways.