Color Palette Generator
Generate complementary, triadic, and analogous color palettes from a base color.
Last updated August 26, 2026
About this tool
Color theory schemes — complementary, triadic, analogous, and monochromatic — are reliable formulas for combining colors that look intentional and balanced together. This tool generates each scheme automatically from a single base color by rotating hue around the color wheel (or varying lightness, for monochromatic), so you don't need a color theory background to build a cohesive palette.
Color scheme formulas
| Scheme | How it's built |
|---|---|
| Complementary | Base color + the hue directly opposite it (+180°) |
| Triadic | Three hues evenly spaced 120° apart |
| Analogous | Hues neighboring the base color (±30°, ±60°) |
| Monochromatic | Same hue at different lightness levels |
Frequently asked questions
Which color scheme should I use for a website?
Analogous and monochromatic schemes tend to feel calm and cohesive, good for content-focused sites. Complementary and triadic schemes create more visual contrast and energy, often used for accents or calls to action — the right choice depends on the tone you're going for.
Does this account for color blindness when generating palettes?
No — these are pure color-wheel-based schemes. Use the Contrast Checker tool separately to verify any text/background pairing from your palette meets accessibility contrast requirements.