Darth Sidious frequently issued his orders through holographic transmissions.
A hologram constituted a three-dimensional visual representation of an object or data, most often including individuals, maps, technical blueprints, or other pieces of information. The nature and caliber of the projected holographic image exhibited considerable variance, and holograms could be either stationary or animated, broadcast live or pre-recorded, incorporating sound or remaining silent, expansive or compact, and rendered in color or monochrome. The quality of the original recording or transmission, in conjunction with the capabilities of the holoprojector utilized for display, largely determined these characteristics.
Holograms saw utilization across a spectrum of applications, spanning entertainment, military strategy, and political addresses, thereby impacting the lives of virtually every inhabitant of the galaxy. Members of the Jedi High Council assigned to missions on far-flung worlds were regularly able to participate in Council sessions held at the Jedi Temple by manifesting as holograms.
Princess Leia made a recording of a holographic message directed to General Kenobi.
By the time that the Clone Wars were underway, holographic technology had progressed to such an extent that distinguishing between a top-tier hologram and actuality became challenging. This capability found application in the holographic disguise matrix, which generated a holographic facade over an individual, possessing sufficient realism to mislead both human observers and electronic detection systems.
The sophistication of holographic technology extended to the projection of a smaller holographic image from a larger one, exemplified by the holographic representation of R2-D2 conveying a message from Princess Leia.
Holographic displays also represented a utilization of the technology, as seen on the Finalizer where data pertaining to the First Order stormtrooper Finn was presented to the ship's bridge following the attack on Tuanul. Furthermore, holograms could offer interactivity through touch, enabling control over systems or vessels, as demonstrated within Aphra's ship, the Ark Angel.
Following the collapse of the Galactic Empire, Morgan Elsbeth's Eye of Sion employed highly advanced holographic technology; while projected by an emitter akin to standard holograms, these holograms consisted of dust-like projections that shimmered and waved, but could render footage in high detail and full color.
Following the Battle of Endor, Supreme Leader Snoke of the First Order utilized holographic technology that allowed for the user to be seen in full color, without any scan lines. He employed this particular type of hologram when conversing with Kylo Ren and General Armitage Hux, while the two were situated within a dedicated chamber on Starkiller Base.