Colour Palette Generator

How Color Theory Works

This generator uses color wheel mathematics to create harmonious color palettes based on proven design principles. Each scheme type rotates the hue around a 360° color wheel to find colors that naturally work well together.

Complementary

2 colors

180° rotation - Colors directly opposite on the wheel create maximum contrast and vibrant combinations. Perfect for making elements stand out.

Example: Blue + Orange, Red + Green

Analogous

5 colors

±15° and ±30° spread - Colors sitting next to each other on the wheel create harmonious, serene, and cohesive palettes. Great for gradients.

Example: Blue, Blue-green, Cyan, Blue-violet

Triadic

5 colors

120° spacing - Three evenly spaced colors create vibrant, balanced palettes with visual interest. Primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue) are triadic!

Example: Red, Yellow, Blue

Tetradic

5 colors

90° intervals - Four evenly spaced colors form two complementary pairs. Offers the most color variety while maintaining balance. Best for complex designs.

Example: Blue, Purple, Orange, Green

Technical Implementation

HSL Color Model

We convert colors to HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) because hue is measured in degrees (0-360°), making it perfect for mathematical rotation around the color wheel.

Hue Rotation Formula

newHue = (baseHue + rotation) % 360
The modulo operator ensures we wrap around the wheel (e.g., 370° becomes 10°).

Color Variations

We generate 5 colors by adding lighter and darker variations (adjusting lightness ±15-20%) to ensure you have enough options for your design.