Color Palette Generator - Create Harmonious Color Schemes
Free online color palette generator. Create beautiful, harmonious color schemes using color theory. Generate complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, and monochromatic palettes instantly.
Palette Settings
Generated Palette
Color Scheme Guide
Complementary: Colors opposite on the color wheel - high contrast, vibrant
Analogous: Colors next to each other - harmonious, serene
Triadic: Three colors evenly spaced - balanced, vibrant
Tetradic: Four colors in two complementary pairs - rich, diverse
Monochromatic: Variations of a single hue - cohesive, elegant
What is a Color Palette?
A color palette is a carefully selected set of colors that work harmoniously together in a design. Based on color theory principles, these palettes create visual harmony and help establish mood, brand identity, and user experience. Professional designers use color palettes to ensure consistency across all design elements.
Color Scheme Types
Complementary Colors
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Creates high contrast and vibrant designs. Perfect for call-to-action buttons and elements that need to stand out.
Analogous Colors
Colors adjacent on the color wheel. Creates harmonious, serene designs. Ideal for backgrounds and creating a cohesive, calming aesthetic.
Triadic Colors
Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. Provides balanced contrast while maintaining harmony. Great for vibrant, energetic designs.
Tetradic Colors
Four colors arranged in two complementary pairs. Offers rich color variety. Best for complex designs with multiple elements.
Monochromatic Colors
Variations of a single hue with different saturations and lightness. Creates cohesive, elegant designs. Perfect for minimalist aesthetics.
How to Use the Color Palette Generator
- Choose your base color using the color picker or enter a hex code
- Select a color scheme type (complementary, analogous, etc.)
- View the generated palette with harmonious colors
- Click any color to copy its value (HEX, RGB, or HSL)
- Export the entire palette as CSS variables for easy integration
- Use the colors in your design project
Best Practices for Color Palettes
- 60-30-10 Rule: Use 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent
- Test Accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast for readability (WCAG standards)
- Consider Context: Different colors evoke different emotions and meanings
- Brand Consistency: Start with brand colors and build complementary palettes
- Cultural Awareness: Colors have different meanings in different cultures
- Test on Devices: Colors appear differently on various screens
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colors should be in a palette?
Most effective palettes contain 3-5 colors: a primary color, 1-2 secondary colors, and 1-2 accent colors. This provides enough variety while maintaining cohesion.
What is the 60-30-10 rule?
The 60-30-10 rule suggests using 60% of a dominant color, 30% of a secondary color, and 10% of an accent color. This creates visual balance and hierarchy in your design.