Depending on the format you download your designs the colors will show up different. It will normally help if they have a color chart for that design with the thread colors or numbers. Once you get used to it you will see that you will be able to just look at the design and pick your own color changes with no problem at all. If the design does not have a color change sheet just and you don't have a software that allows you to preview the stitch sequence look at the screen on your machine and give the areas the color you beleive are suitable for it.