Abstract: The color microsphere (CMS) is micro and nano polymers with small particle size, large specific surface area, monodispersity, stable and bright color, etc., which are widely used in the fields of environmental protection, medical, electronics, agriculture, food, cosmetics, and so on. Currently, the comprehensive analysis of the key factors affecting the encapsulation effect of the CMS is lacking. Meanwhile, there is still a wide gap between the types and applications of the CMS in China and abroad. Thus, strengthening the basic research and technical research of the CMS is one of the top priorities. Dyes/pigments (D/P) encapsulation is a very important part in the synthesis of the CMS. In addition to considering the basic properties of stability and color brightness of the CMS, it is also necessary to scientifically evaluate the encapsulation effect of the D/P. This paper introduces the aggregation mechanism and arrangement form of the D/P in solution, the influence of the interaction between the D/P and microsphere (MS) substrates on encapsulation and the mechanism of action. Focuses on the key factors and mechanisms of the encapsulation in the synthesis of the CMS comprehensively from the aspects of polymerization method, the D/P structure and MS substrate. Then, the evaluation methods of the D/P encapsulation effect, which are more mature at present, are summarized. Finally, the future research direction of the D/P encapsulation technology for the CMS is predicted.