Selecting appealing color schemes can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many helpful websites that can generate attractive color palettes automatically or provide tools to create your own. Here are some quick answers about websites for making color schemes:
What are color schemes and why do they matter?
A color scheme refers to a set of colors used together throughout a design. Color schemes are important in web design, graphic design, interior design, fashion, and more because colors evoke emotions and set the overall tone. Cohesive color schemes also help create visual harmony and brand recognition.
What types of color schemes are there?
Some common color scheme types include:
- Monochromatic – Different shades, tints, and tones of one color
- Analogous – Colors next to each other on the color wheel
- Complementary – Colors opposite each other on the color wheel
- Triadic – Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel
- Split-Complementary – A color plus the two colors adjacent to its complement
- Tetradic/Double Complementary – Two sets of complements
What are some top websites for generating color schemes?
Here are some of the most popular websites for automatically generating attractive color palettes:
| Website | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Coolors | Generates random color schemes; saves and shares palettes; supports monochromatic, analogous, complementary schemes |
| Paletton | Interactive color wheel; shows color relationships; generates monochromatic, complementary, triadic, tetradic schemes |
| Adobe Color | Create color wheels; browse thousands of themes; generate complementary, analogous, triadic, and compound schemes |
What tools do these websites provide to customize color schemes?
The best color scheme websites provide user-friendly customization tools such as:
- Color pickers to select a starting base color
- Controls to adjust hue, saturation, brightness
- Options to add, delete, or swap colors
- Tools to balance, lock, or compare colors
- Ability to save, export, and share color palettes
Adjusting these settings helps generate color schemes that meet specific design needs. For example, a vibrant, saturated palette for a children’s brand vs. muted, professional palette for a finance company.
What file formats do they use to share color schemes?
Websites commonly allow exporting or sharing color palettes in formats like:
- PNG image files – Displays color chips with hex codes
- PDF files – Printable color palette sheets
- ASE/ADBE Swatch Exchange – For Adobe Creative Suite products
- CSS/SASS variables – For web design
- HEX codes – For digital designs and coding
These formats make it easy to import color schemes into design programs or code. Some websites also allow sharing links or embedding code to display colors.
How can I use these to create a color palette for my brand?
Here are some tips for using online tools to generate a brand color scheme:
- Select a primary brand color and coordinate shades, tints and tones
- Try the complementary color on the wheel for accent colors
- Use triadic or tetradic options to add more versatility
- Adjust saturation and brightness to soften or strengthen colors
- Preview palettes on mockups to see how they look
- Save a palette and brand asset library for easy access
Start with one hero color, then use website tools to provide variations that align with your brand style. Consistently applying the palette strengthens brand identity.
What are some tips for choosing accessible color schemes?
To ensure colors schemes are accessible for those with visual impairments or color blindness:
- Use an online contrast checker to test text against background colors
- Aim for at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio for body text
- Make sure primary action buttons meet minimum 3:1 contrast
- Use multiple modes of contrast like color and shape
- Try grayscale to check legibility without color
- Provide an accessibility switch on your site
Many palette websites also provide contrast analysis tools. Review standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to learn more.
Conclusion
Online color scheme generators provide user-friendly tools to create stunning, cohesive palettes. They allow customization to match brand styles and export options to use colors in designs. With some strategic planning, they can help establish or elevate any brand’s visual identity.