Color Palette Generator

How Does the Color Palette Generator Work?

Enter a base color as a HEX code or select one from the color picker. The tool generates a harmonious palette using color theory rules: complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, and monochromatic schemes. Each palette shows 5-7 colors that work well together, with HEX and RGB values you can copy directly into your designs.

What Are the Different Color Harmony Types?

Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create high contrast. Analogous colors are neighbors on the wheel and create calm, cohesive designs. Triadic colors are evenly spaced for vibrant variety. Split-complementary uses one color plus the two neighbors of its complement for balanced contrast. Monochromatic uses shades and tints of a single hue.

How Do I Choose Colors for My Website?

Start with your brand's primary color as the base. Generate a complementary or split-complementary palette for accent colors. Use lighter tints for backgrounds and darker shades for text. Most websites work well with 3-5 colors: a primary, a secondary, a neutral, and one or two accents. Test your palette for sufficient contrast and accessibility.

Can I Export the Palette for Use in Design Tools?

Yes. Copy the CSS custom properties (variables) with one click, or copy individual HEX and RGB values. The CSS format works directly in your stylesheets. You can also manually enter the HEX codes into any design tool like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

How Many Colors Should a Website Palette Have?

Most effective website designs use 3-5 core colors: a primary brand color, a secondary accent color, a neutral color (gray family) for text and backgrounds, and optionally a success color (green) and error color (red). Too many colors create visual chaos. Generate your palette from a single base color to ensure all colors work harmoniously together.

What Is Color Accessibility and Why Does It Matter?

Color accessibility ensures that text and interactive elements have sufficient contrast against their backgrounds for people with visual impairments or color blindness. WCAG 2.1 requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When choosing palette colors for text and backgrounds, verify contrast ratios using accessibility checking tools.