Compositions and methods for forming color images on a substrate capable of development at desired wavelengths or energy levels are disclosed and described. The color forming composition can include a carrier system and a latent pigment with a pendent group, wherein the latent pigment is colorless or pale in color while the pendent group is attached, and wherein the latent pigment is convertible to a colored pigment upon removal of the pendent group. Alternatively, the latent pigment can have multiple states of conjugation where the latent pigment is colorless or pale in a first conjugation state, and colored in a second conjugation state. The color forming compositions are useful in forming images on a wide variety of substrates, such as optical disks.