Free tool
Color palette generator
Great palettes aren't random — they follow the geometry of the color wheel. Enter a base color and see six harmonious schemes built around it, with one-click hex copying for every swatch.
Complementary
Maximum contrast — base + its opposite on the color wheel. Great for CTAs against a brand color.
Analogous
Three neighbors on the wheel. Calm, cohesive — a safe default for UI and illustrations.
Triadic
Three evenly spaced hues. Vibrant but balanced — works well for playful or youth brands.
Split-complementary
Base plus the two neighbors of its opposite. High contrast with less tension than pure complementary.
Shades
Darker steps of the base color. Use for text, borders, and hover states.
Tints
Lighter steps of the base color. Use for backgrounds, cards, and subtle fills.
How to turn a palette into a brand system
- Assign roles before you design. One primary, one supporting hue, one neutral, one accent. Every color in your system should have a job.
- Use the 60-30-10 rule. Roughly 60% neutral background, 30% primary hue, 10% accent. It keeps bold palettes from overwhelming the layout.
- Test on real content. A palette that looks great as swatches can fall apart in a dashboard or a photo-heavy page. Mock up one screen before committing.