A database for storing and searching spectral curves is presented. The database gives the user of a synthetic imaging system a means to select spectral reflectance, emittance, transmittance, and absorptance curves for use in the realistic image synthesis process. This provides an alternative to the usual RGB and HSV interfaces that are typically used for image color selection and specification. The design of the database, the method for adding curves to it, and the techniques available for searching it are discussed.