diff --git a/src/Unittests/unittests_common.hh b/src/Unittests/unittests_common.hh
index 0d095701..4142faac 100644
--- a/src/Unittests/unittests_common.hh
+++ b/src/Unittests/unittests_common.hh
@@ -9,6 +9,9 @@
 
 #ifdef TEST_CUSTOM_TRAITS
 #include <Unittests/unittests_common_customtraits.hh>
+#elif defined(TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS)
+struct CustomTraits : public OpenMesh::DefaultTraitsDouble {
+};
 #else
 struct CustomTraits : public OpenMesh::DefaultTraits {
 };
diff --git a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OBJ.cc b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OBJ.cc
index caa903f4..c779daa0 100644
--- a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OBJ.cc
+++ b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OBJ.cc
@@ -325,9 +325,16 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOBJ, LoadObjWithMaterial) {
 
   EXPECT_TRUE(fh.is_valid()) << "fh should be valid";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+  EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(128/255.0,   mesh_.color(fh)[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+  EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(128/255.0,   mesh_.color(fh)[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+  EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(128/255.0,   mesh_.color(fh)[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+  EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0,         mesh_.color(fh)[3] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 3";
+#else
   EXPECT_EQ(128,   mesh_.color(fh)[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
   EXPECT_EQ(128,   mesh_.color(fh)[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
   EXPECT_EQ(128,   mesh_.color(fh)[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+#endif
 
   mesh_.release_face_colors();
 }
@@ -385,6 +392,24 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOBJ, LoadSimpleOBJWithVertexColorsAfterVertices) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
@@ -400,6 +425,7 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOBJ, LoadSimpleOBJWithVertexColorsAfterVertices) {
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     mesh_.release_vertex_colors();
 }
@@ -424,6 +450,23 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOBJ, LoadSimpleOBJWithVertexColorsAsVCLines) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges()) << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces()) << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
@@ -439,6 +482,7 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOBJ, LoadSimpleOBJWithVertexColorsAsVCLines) {
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     mesh_.release_vertex_colors();
 
diff --git a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OFF.cc b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OFF.cc
index 0a9684ed..1f26647c 100644
--- a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OFF.cc
+++ b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OFF.cc
@@ -60,8 +60,13 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOFF, WriteAndReadVertexColorsToAndFromOFFFile) {
     mesh_.add_vertex( Mesh::Point(0,1,1) );
     mesh_.add_vertex( Mesh::Point(1,0,1) );
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    // using the default color type Vec4f from DefaultTraitsDouble in Traits.hh
+    Mesh::Color testColor(255/255.0, 128/255.0, 64/255.0, 1.0);
+#else
     // using the default color type Vec3uc from DefaultTraits in Traits.hh
     Mesh::Color testColor(255, 128, 64);
+#endif
 
     // setting colors (different from black)
     for (Mesh::VertexIter vit = mesh_.vertices_begin(), vitend = mesh_.vertices_end(); vit != vitend; ++vit)
@@ -71,7 +76,10 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOFF, WriteAndReadVertexColorsToAndFromOFFFile) {
     int count = 0;
     for (Mesh::VertexIter vit = mesh_.vertices_begin(), vitend = mesh_.vertices_end(); vit != vitend; ++vit) {
       Mesh::Color color = mesh_.color(*vit);
-      if ( color[0] != testColor[0] || color[1] != testColor[1] || color[2] != testColor[2] )
+      bool wrong_color = false;
+      for (size_t i = 0; i < color.size(); ++i)
+        wrong_color = wrong_color || (color[i] != testColor[i]);
+      if (wrong_color)
         ++ count;
     }
 
@@ -87,7 +95,10 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOFF, WriteAndReadVertexColorsToAndFromOFFFile) {
     count = 0;
     for (Mesh::VertexIter vit = mesh_.vertices_begin(), vitend = mesh_.vertices_end(); vit != vitend; ++vit) {
       Mesh::Color color = mesh_.color(*vit);
-      if ( color[0] != testColor[0] || color[1] != testColor[1] || color[2] != testColor[2] )
+      bool wrong_color = false;
+      for (size_t i = 0; i < color.size(); ++i)
+        wrong_color = wrong_color || (color[i] != testColor[i]);
+      if (wrong_color)
         ++ count;
     }
 
@@ -123,21 +134,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOFF, WriteAndReadFloatVertexColorsToAndFromOFFFile) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(opt.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user opt are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(opt.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user opt are returned!";
@@ -179,21 +208,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOFF, WriteAndReadBinaryFloatVertexColorsToAndFromOFFFile
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(opt.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user opt are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(opt.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user opt are returned!";
diff --git a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OM.cc b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OM.cc
index 9b4b96d1..e138f4cd 100644
--- a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OM.cc
+++ b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_OM.cc
@@ -118,21 +118,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOM, LoadSimpleOMWithVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -203,9 +221,15 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOM, WriteTriangleVertexIntegerColor) {
   Mesh::VertexHandle v3 = mesh.add_vertex(Mesh::Point(0.0,0.0,1.0));
   mesh.add_face(v1,v2,v3);
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+  Mesh::Color c1 = Mesh::Color(0,0,123/255.0,1.0),
+      c2 = Mesh::Color(21/255.0,0,0,1.0),
+      c3 = Mesh::Color(0,222/255.0,0,1.0);
+#else
   Mesh::Color c1 = Mesh::Color(0,0,123),
       c2 = Mesh::Color(21,0,0),
       c3 = Mesh::Color(0,222,0);
+#endif
 
   mesh.set_color(v1,c1);
   mesh.set_color(v2,c2);
@@ -234,9 +258,20 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOM, WriteTriangleVertexIntegerColor) {
   EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,1.0,0.0) , cmpMesh.point(v2)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 1";
   EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,0.0,1.0) , cmpMesh.point(v3)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 2";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+  // OM file format does not support writing colors as float. They are stored as unsigned character.
+  // Thus, the values will not be exactly equal.
+  for (size_t i = 0; i < c1.size(); ++i)
+  {
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c1[i] , cmpMesh.color(v1)[i]) << "Wrong colors at coordinate " << i << " of vertex 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c2[i] , cmpMesh.color(v2)[i]) << "Wrong colors at coordinate " << i << " of vertex 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c3[i] , cmpMesh.color(v3)[i]) << "Wrong colors at coordinate " << i << " of vertex 2";
+  }
+#else
   EXPECT_EQ(c1 , cmpMesh.color(v1)) << "Wrong colors at vertex 0";
   EXPECT_EQ(c2 , cmpMesh.color(v2)) << "Wrong colors at vertex 1";
   EXPECT_EQ(c3 , cmpMesh.color(v3)) << "Wrong colors at vertex 2";
+#endif
 
   //clean up
   cmpMesh.release_vertex_colors();
@@ -570,7 +605,15 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOM, WriteSplitTriangleEdgeIntProperty) {
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(1.0,0.0,0.0) , cmpMesh.point(v1)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,1.0,0.0) , cmpMesh.point(v2)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,0.0,1.0) , cmpMesh.point(v3)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 2";
-    EXPECT_EQ(c , cmpMesh.point(v4)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 3";
+
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    // TODO: should it be possible to read and write double precision exactly?
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[0] , cmpMesh.point(v4)[0]) << "Wrong coordinate 0 at vertex 4";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[1] , cmpMesh.point(v4)[1]) << "Wrong coordinate 1 at vertex 4";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[2] , cmpMesh.point(v4)[2]) << "Wrong coordinate 2 at vertex 4";
+#else
+    EXPECT_EQ(c , cmpMesh.point(v4)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 4";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_EQ(value1 , cmpMesh.property(prop,e1)) << "Wrong property at edge 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(value2 , cmpMesh.property(prop,e2)) << "Wrong property at edge 1";
@@ -746,7 +789,15 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWriteOM, WriteSplitTriangleStatusProperties) {
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(1.0,0.0,0.0) , cmpMesh.point(v0)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,1.0,0.0) , cmpMesh.point(v1)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(Mesh::Point(0.0,0.0,1.0) , cmpMesh.point(v2)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 2";
+
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    // TODO: should it be possible to read and write double precision exactly?
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[0] , cmpMesh.point(v3)[0]) << "Wrong coordinate 0 at vertex 3";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[1] , cmpMesh.point(v3)[1]) << "Wrong coordinate 1 at vertex 3";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(c[2] , cmpMesh.point(v3)[2]) << "Wrong coordinate 2 at vertex 3";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(c , cmpMesh.point(v3)) << "Wrong coordinates at vertex 3";
+#endif
 
     for (auto vh : cmpMesh.all_vertices())
     {
diff --git a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_PLY.cc b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_PLY.cc
index e587625d..9cb614d7 100644
--- a/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_PLY.cc
+++ b/src/Unittests/unittests_read_write_PLY.cc
@@ -147,21 +147,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, LoadSimplePLYWithVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -190,21 +208,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, LoadPLYFromMeshLabWithVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -242,21 +278,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, WriteAndReadBinaryPLYWithVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -294,21 +348,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, WriteAndReadPLYWithFloatVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -348,21 +420,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, WriteAndReadBinaryPLYWithFloatVertexColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u , mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u , mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(0.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(1.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 0 component 2";
 
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 3 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 1";
-    EXPECT_EQ(255,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
+    EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 4 component 2";
 
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
-    EXPECT_EQ(0, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 0";
+    EXPECT_EQ(0,   mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 1";
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.vertex_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong vertex color at vertex 7 component 2";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -905,6 +995,23 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, LoadSimplePLYWithFaceColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(18u, mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct!";
     EXPECT_EQ(12u, mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct!";
 
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(117/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(177/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(255/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(135/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(163/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(177/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(255/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(140/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+    EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+#else
     EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(117, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
     EXPECT_EQ(177, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
@@ -920,6 +1027,7 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, LoadSimplePLYWithFaceColors) {
     EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
     EXPECT_EQ(140, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
     EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+#endif
 
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
     EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned!";
@@ -995,21 +1103,39 @@ TEST_F(OpenMeshReadWritePLY, WriteAndReadPLYWithFaceColors) {
         EXPECT_EQ(18u, mesh_.n_edges())    << "The number of loaded edges is not correct: " << outFileName;
         EXPECT_EQ(12u, mesh_.n_faces())    << "The number of loaded faces is not correct: " << outFileName;
 
-        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(117, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(177, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0: " << outFileName;
+#ifdef TEST_DOUBLE_TRAITS
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(117/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(177/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
 
-        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(135, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3: " << outFileName;
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(255/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(135/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
 
-        EXPECT_EQ(163, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(177, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4: " << outFileName;
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(163/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(177/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
 
-        EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(140, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7: " << outFileName;
-        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7: " << outFileName;
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(255/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(140/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+        EXPECT_FLOAT_EQ(107/255.0, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+#else
+        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+        EXPECT_EQ(117, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+        EXPECT_EQ(177, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(0))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 0";
+
+        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+        EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+        EXPECT_EQ(135, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(3))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 3";
+
+        EXPECT_EQ(163, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+        EXPECT_EQ(177, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(4))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 4";
+
+        EXPECT_EQ(255, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[0] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+        EXPECT_EQ(140, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[1] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+        EXPECT_EQ(107, mesh_.color(mesh_.face_handle(7))[2] ) << "Wrong face color at face 7";
+#endif
 
         EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_normal()) << "Wrong user options are returned: " << outFileName;
         EXPECT_FALSE(options.vertex_has_texcoord()) << "Wrong user options are returned: " << outFileName;