Color Palette Generator
Generate harmonious color palettes from any base color — complementary, analogous, triadic, and more — with click-to-copy HEX codes.
Pick a base color and choose a harmony scheme: the generator rotates the hue around the color wheel using HSL math to produce balanced palettes designers actually use. Every swatch shows its HEX code and copies to your clipboard with one click, ready for CSS variables or design tools.
Base + opposite on the wheel
How to use this calculator
- Enter your base color as HEX or pick it with the visual picker.
- Choose a harmony scheme — complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, tetradic, or monochromatic.
- Review the generated swatches and their HEX codes.
- Click any swatch to copy its HEX code into your CSS or design tool.
Worked example
Starting from pure red #ff0000, the complementary scheme produces #00ffff (cyan) — the hue exactly opposite on the wheel — while the triadic scheme adds #00ff00 and #0000ff for a vibrant three-color palette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a complementary color scheme?
Two colors opposite each other on the color wheel (180° apart), like red #ff0000 and cyan #00ffff. Complementary pairs create maximum contrast and visual energy, which is why they are popular for calls-to-action and highlights. Use one color dominantly and the other sparingly, or the pairing can feel jarring.
When should I use analogous instead of triadic?
Analogous schemes (base ±30°) are calm and cohesive because neighboring hues blend naturally — think ocean blues and teals. Triadic schemes (base ±120°) are bold and playful, giving three evenly spaced hues with strong contrast. Pick analogous for professional, trustworthy feels and triadic for energetic, creative brands.
How does the generator compute the palettes?
It converts your base HEX to HSL, rotates the hue by the scheme's angles (180° for complementary, ±120° for triadic, and so on), and converts back to HEX. Monochromatic mode instead varies lightness while holding hue and saturation constant. The math is deterministic: the same base color always yields the same palette.
Can I use these palettes in commercial work?
Yes. Color harmonies are mathematical relationships, not copyrightable expression, so any palette you generate is yours to use freely in client work, products, or branding. If you build a brand on it, still run the final palette past an accessibility contrast check for text usage.
Why do my generated colors sometimes look muddy?
Highly saturated base colors produce vivid harmonies, while desaturated or mid-lightness bases produce muted ones — the scheme preserves your base's saturation and lightness. If a palette feels dull, raise the base saturation first. Monochromatic mode is the safest fallback when hue-shifted schemes clash.