Color Palette Generator
Last updated: 2026-06-25
The Color Palette Generator turns a single base color into harmonious color schemes — complementary (180°), analogous (±30°), triadic (120°), tetradic (90°), and monochromatic (lightness shifts).
Click a swatch to copy its HEX code, or use Copy All to grab the entire palette at once.
Base Color & Color Scheme
Generated color palette
Click a swatch to copy its HEX code.
Color schemes are approximations based on the HSL color wheel. In practice, fine-tuning lightness and saturation yields a more natural palette.
How to use
- Pick a base color — Set a base color using the color picker or the HEX input field.
- Choose a color scheme — Select the color scheme rule you want: complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, or monochromatic.
- Copy the result — Click a swatch or use the Copy All button to copy the HEX codes.
Understanding color scheme (palette) rules
A harmonious color palette is described by the angular relationships colors form on the color wheel. This tool converts the base color to HSL (hue, saturation, lightness), then rotates the hue angle or adjusts lightness to build the color scheme.
| Rule | Hue angle | Feel & use |
|---|---|---|
| Complementary | Base + 180° | Strong contrast, accents and CTAs |
| Analogous | Base ±30° | Soft unity, natural backgrounds |
| Triadic | Base, +120°, +240° | Balanced vibrancy, illustrations |
| Tetradic | Base, +90°, +180°, +270° | Rich color range, colorful UI |
| Monochromatic | Same hue, varied lightness | Calm, tidy tone-on-tone |
Web UI usually uses one primary color, one or two secondary colors, and one accent. Analogous colors suit stable backgrounds and body content, while complementary colors work for emphasis elements like buttons and links to make the hierarchy clear. When using palette colors as text, check contrast against the background with the contrast checker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do complementary, analogous, and triadic schemes differ?
Complementary colors sit 180 degrees apart on the color wheel for strong contrast, analogous colors sit within about 30 degrees on either side of the base for a soft, unified look, and triadic uses three colors 120 degrees apart for balanced vibrancy.
How do I copy the generated palette?
Click any swatch to copy its HEX code to the clipboard, or press the Copy All button to copy every HEX code in the palette on one line. You can paste the codes into CSS, design tools, or anywhere else.
Does it show RGB or HSL values besides HEX?
Each swatch shows a HEX code, and the tool internally calculates harmony colors based on the HSL color wheel. You can convert the HEX values to CSS rgb() or hsl() and get the same color.
Will the palette colors be readable as body text?
When using palette colors for text or backgrounds, check the luminance contrast for readability. The contrast checker shows the WCAG contrast ratio and AA/AAA pass status for your chosen colors.
Related tools & guides
Last updated: 2026-06-25