About this tool
Generate five-color palettes built on real color-theory relationships — analogous (neighbors on the wheel), complementary (opposites), triadic (three evenly spaced hues) and monochrome (one hue, varied lightness). Click any swatch to copy its hex code; regenerate until something clicks.
Random RGB values rarely look good together; palettes work when hues have a deliberate geometric relationship on the color wheel and lightness is controlled. This generator works in HSL space for exactly that reason, varying saturation and lightness within ranges that keep colors usable for interfaces.
How to use it
- Pick a harmony scheme.
- Click Generate until a palette fits your project.
- Click a swatch to copy its hex code.
Frequently asked questions
What is an analogous palette?
Three to five hues adjacent on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-violet, violet). Low contrast between hues makes it calm and cohesive.
When do complementary colors work?
As accent pairs — one dominant hue with its opposite used sparingly for emphasis. Used at equal strength they fight each other.
Why generate in HSL instead of RGB?
HSL separates hue from saturation and lightness, so the generator can rotate hues mathematically while keeping brightness in a pleasing band — something raw RGB makes awkward.