Color Palette Generator
Pick a base color and get a full, harmonious color palette — copy any HEX or RGB value in one click.
What is it?
A color palette generator creates a set of colors that work harmoniously together, derived from a single base color using the principles of color theory. Rather than guessing which colors look good together or manually experimenting in a design tool, a palette generator applies mathematical relationships from the color wheel to produce professionally balanced combinations every time. Our free color palette generator supports four classic palette types. A complementary palette pairs your base color with the color directly opposite it on the wheel — high contrast and vivid. An analogous palette uses three colors adjacent on the wheel — natural and harmonious. A triadic palette selects three colors equally spaced around the wheel — vibrant and balanced. A split-complementary palette takes your base color and the two colors on either side of its complement — more variety than complementary with slightly less tension. Every generated color shows its HEX code, RGB values and a preview swatch. You can copy any value with a single click.
How to use it
- Pick a base color using the color picker or type a HEX code directly into the input field.
- Select a palette type: Complementary, Analogous, Triadic or Split-Complementary.
- The palette updates instantly. Each color swatch shows its HEX and RGB values.
- Click on any HEX or RGB value to copy it to your clipboard.
- Click "Copy all HEX" to copy the entire palette as a comma-separated list of HEX codes.
Why use this tool
Colour is one of the most powerful elements in design, yet choosing a palette that looks cohesive and professional without formal training is surprisingly difficult. Guessing produces inconsistent results; trial-and-error in design tools is time-consuming. A palette generator based on colour theory gives you a reliable starting point in seconds. Web designers use palette generators to establish brand colour systems, choose UI accent colours and ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility. Graphic designers use them for print layouts, logo concepts and marketing materials. Digital illustrators use them for consistent colour schemes across artwork. Even non-designers — bloggers choosing a website theme, social media managers designing posts, or home decorators selecting paint colours — benefit from a tool that removes the guesswork. Because the tool runs entirely in your browser, it is instant, private and available offline. No account is needed, and there is no usage limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a complementary color palette?
A complementary palette pairs a base color with the color directly opposite it on the color wheel (180° away). The combination creates strong contrast, making it ideal for call-to-action buttons, logos and any design that needs high visual impact.
When should I use an analogous palette?
Analogous palettes — colors adjacent on the wheel, typically 30° apart — are harmonious and easy on the eye. They work well for backgrounds, nature-inspired designs and anywhere you want a calm, unified feel.
Can I export the palette as a file?
Currently you can copy individual HEX/RGB values or the entire palette as a comma-separated HEX list. Paste these into any design tool, CSS file or style guide.
How do I use a palette in CSS?
Copy the HEX values and assign them to CSS custom properties: --color-primary: #3366ff; --color-secondary: #ff6633; Then reference them throughout your stylesheet.
Is the generated palette suitable for accessible design?
The generator creates harmonious palettes, but accessibility depends on contrast ratios between specific color pairs. Always check your text/background combinations with a contrast ratio checker (WCAG recommends at least 4.5:1 for normal text).