Free Color Picker Tool - HEX, RGB Color Codes & Color Schemes
Free online color picker and palette generator. Get color codes in HEX, RGB, HSL formats, check color contrast for accessibility, and generate color harmonies for your design.
Color Picker
Choose colors, get codes, and create beautiful palettes
Contrast Checker
Large Text
Normal paragraph text
Small text for testing
WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
• Level AAA: 7:1 or higher - Best for all text
• Level AA: 4.5:1 or higher - Good for normal text
• Level AA Large: 3:1 or higher - Acceptable for large text
Color Variations and Their Uses
Understanding color variations is crucial for creating professional designs. Tints and shades help create visual hierarchy, improve accessibility, and add depth to your designs while maintaining color harmony.
Tints
Tints are created by adding white to a base color, making it lighter while maintaining its basic character. They're often used to create hierarchy and depth in design.
Common Applications:
- • Background variations in user interfaces
- • Subtle hover states for buttons
- • Layered card designs
- • Progressive data visualization
Shades
Shades are created by adding black to a base color, creating darker variations. They help establish visual hierarchy and create depth in designs.
Common Applications:
- • Text and typography
- • Shadows and depth effects
- • Active states for interactive elements
- • Data visualization gradients
Base Color
The base color serves as the foundation for creating tints and shades. When choosing a base color, consider factors like brand identity, target audience, and the emotional response you want to evoke.
Design Tips
- • Use lighter tints for large background areas to maintain readability
- • Darker shades work well for text to ensure good contrast
- • Maintain consistent intervals between variations for professional results
- • Consider accessibility when using color variations for text and interactive elements
- • Test your color variations across different devices and lighting conditions
Understanding Color Harmonies
Color harmonies are systematic ways to combine colors that create pleasing visual experiences. These scientifically-based combinations help designers create balanced, professional-looking color schemes that work across different applications and contexts.
Complementary Colors
High contrast, vibrant combinations
Complementary colors are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a strong, vibrant contrast that's perfect for creating visual impact and drawing attention to key elements. Common applications include call-to-action buttons, logos, and sports team branding.
Best Uses:
- • Highlighting important elements
- • Creating visual tension
- • Sports and entertainment branding
- • Call-to-action buttons
Triadic Harmony
Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel
Triadic color schemes use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This arrangement creates a balanced and vibrant look while offering more variety than complementary schemes. It's popular in web design and children's branding.
Best Uses:
- • Web design
- • Children's products
- • Educational materials
- • Creative and artistic projects
Analogous Colors
Adjacent colors that flow naturally
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating a smooth, cohesive look. This harmony is found abundantly in nature and creates a serene, comfortable feeling. Perfect for designs that need to feel unified and peaceful.
Best Uses:
- • Nature-themed designs
- • Professional websites
- • Healthcare branding
- • Relaxing environments
Monochromatic Scheme
Variations of a single color
Monochromatic color schemes use different tones, shades, and tints of a single color. This creates a sophisticated, cohesive look that's easy on the eyes. It's excellent for creating depth while maintaining simplicity.
Best Uses:
- • Minimalist design
- • Corporate branding
- • User interfaces
- • Professional presentations
Tips for Using Color Harmonies
- • Use the 60-30-10 rule: primary color 60%, secondary 30%, accent 10%
- • Consider your target audience and industry standards
- • Test your color combinations for accessibility and contrast
- • Remember that cultural associations with colors can vary
Common Colors
Color Theory Guide
Color Properties
- Hue: The pure color without tint or shade
- Saturation: The intensity or purity of the color
- Brightness: The lightness or darkness of the color
Color Schemes
- Monochromatic: Different shades and tints of one color
- Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel
- Analogous: Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel
About this Calculator
Free online color picker and palette generator. Get color codes in HEX, RGB, HSL formats, check color contrast for accessibility, and generate color harmonies for your design.