Design Tool
Color Palette Generator
Create beautiful and harmonious color palettes for your design projects. Choose from multiple color schemes and generate complementary, analogous, triadic, and monochromatic palettes.
Pick a color or enter a hex code to generate your palette
Palette Options
Pro Tips
Use 60-30-10 rule for design
Check contrast for accessibility
Test colors in different contexts
Export CSS for quick use
Insights & Resources
Explore our latest articles, glossary terms, and expert guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about color palettes
What is a color palette and why is it important for design?
A color palette is a collection of colors used consistently in design projects to create visual harmony and brand identity. It's important because it establishes a cohesive look, evokes specific emotions, improves user experience, and creates strong brand recognition. A well-chosen palette can make designs more professional, accessible, and memorable.
How do I choose colors for my brand or project?
Start with a base color that represents your brand's personality. Use our generator to create complementary, analogous, or triadic schemes. Consider your target audience, industry, and desired emotions. Follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent. Test colors on different devices and backgrounds.
What are the different color schemes and how do they work?
Our tool supports five main color schemes: Complementary (opposite colors for high contrast), Analogous (adjacent colors for harmony), Triadic (three evenly spaced colors for balance), Tetradic (two complementary pairs for rich variety), and Monochromatic (variations of one color for elegant simplicity). Each serves different design purposes.
What's the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL color codes?
HEX (hexadecimal) is a 6-digit code used in HTML and CSS (#FF0000). RGB (Red, Green, Blue) uses values 0-255 and is common in digital displays. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive for human perception. Our tool displays all formats, making it easy to use colors across different platforms and applications.
How do I ensure my color palette is accessible?
Accessibility is crucial for inclusive design. Ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text). Use our tool's color codes to check contrast ratios. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information—use text labels or icons. Test your palette using accessibility tools and consider color blindness simulation.
How many colors should a brand palette have?
Most brands use 3-5 colors: 1-2 primary colors (core brand identity), 1-2 secondary colors (support and complement), and 1 accent color (for calls-to-action). Our generator allows 3-8 colors, giving you flexibility to create the perfect palette for your needs. Start with fewer colors and expand as needed.
What is the 60-30-10 rule in color design?
The 60-30-10 rule is a classic design principle: use 60% of your dominant color (usually neutral) for backgrounds and large areas, 30% of a secondary color for content and headings, and 10% of an accent color for highlights and calls-to-action. This creates visual balance and directs attention effectively.
How do I export and use my generated color palette?
Our tool offers multiple export options: Copy all HEX codes for quick use in design software, Export CSS for web development (includes variables), and Download JSON for data portability. You can also copy individual color codes from the palette display. Use these in your design tools, CSS frameworks, or style guides.