Color Palette Generator – Create Harmonious Color Schemes
Calcon's free Color Palette Generator creates five types of harmonious color palettes from any base color. Pick a color, click Generate, and get HEX, RGB, and HSL values for every swatch — ready to export as CSS variables.
Palette Type Reference
| Type | Hue Angles | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Monochromatic | 0° (5 lightness levels) | Minimal, professional UI |
| Complementary | 0°, 180° | High contrast, CTAs |
| Triadic | 0°, 120°, 240° | Vibrant, balanced layouts |
| Analogous | -60°, -30°, 0°, +30°, +60° | Natural, harmonious feels |
| Split Complementary | 0°, 150°, 210° | Contrast with less tension |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a complementary color?
A complementary color is the color directly opposite on the color wheel — 180° away in hue. Complementary pairs create high contrast and are often used for call-to-action buttons and highlights. Example: blue and orange, red and green.
What is a triadic color scheme?
A triadic color scheme uses three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel at 120° intervals. It provides a balanced, vibrant look while retaining contrast. Example: red, yellow, and blue (the primary colors) form a triadic scheme.
What is a monochromatic palette?
A monochromatic palette uses a single hue at different levels of lightness and saturation. It creates a cohesive, professional look with visual unity. This approach is common in minimal UI design where a branded color appears at multiple tones.
What is the difference between HSL and HSB color models?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) and HSB/HSV (Hue, Saturation, Brightness/Value) are different ways to describe color. HSL has L=50% as a pure color, while HSB has B=100% as the brightest. CSS uses HSL — hsl(0, 100%, 50%) is pure red. Graphic design tools like Photoshop typically use HSB.
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