Color Design Resources & Tips

Quick Start: Building a Color Palette

1. Start with your brand color or generate a palette
2. Check accessibility for all text combinations
3. Create gradients for visual interest
4. Use our inline editor to fine-tune in your configs
5. Test across devices and lighting conditions

Our Complete Toolkit

Color Palette Editor

Paste your config files and edit hex colors inline with interactive color pickers. Perfect for developers working with CSS, config files, or any text-based color definitions.

Try it now →

Contrast Checker

Ensure WCAG compliance by testing color contrast ratios. Get instant feedback for AA and AAA standards. Essential for accessible web design.

Check contrast →

Palette Generator

Generate harmonious color schemes using color theory. Choose from complementary, triadic, analogous, and more harmony rules.

Generate palette →

Gradient Generator

Create beautiful CSS gradients visually. Adjust colors, direction, and stops, then copy the generated CSS code instantly.

Create gradient →

Pro Tips & Best Practices

Start with Grayscale

Before adding color, design in grayscale. This ensures your layout, hierarchy, and spacing work independently of color. Then add color strategically for emphasis and emotion.

The 60-30-10 Rule

A proven interior design principle that works for web design too:

60% - Dominant color (usually neutral, backgrounds)
30% - Secondary color (sections, panels)
10% - Accent color (buttons, links, highlights)

Use Color Variations

Don't use just one shade of your brand color. Create lighter tints for backgrounds and darker shades for hover states. This adds depth and visual interest while maintaining consistency.

Test on Real Devices

Colors look different on various screens and in different lighting. Test your palette on multiple devices, browsers, and in both bright and dim environments before finalizing.

Mind the Context

Colors influence each other. A color that looks great in isolation might clash when placed next to others. Always preview colors in context alongside the other colors in your palette.

Common Workflows

Creating a New Brand Palette

Research competitor colors and industry norms
Choose a primary brand color based on psychology and differentiation
Use Palette Generator to create harmonious secondary colors
Add neutral grays for text and backgrounds
Check all contrast ratios for accessibility
Create hover states and variations
Document as CSS variables or config file

Updating Existing Colors

Export current colors from your CSS/config
Paste into Color Palette Editor
Adjust colors visually with inline pickers
Verify contrast ratios still meet WCAG standards
Copy updated values back to your project
Test across your application

Designing UI Components

Start with your base palette
Use Gradient Generator for buttons and cards
Create state variations (hover, active, disabled)
Ensure sufficient contrast for all states
Document component colors in your design system

Want to Learn More?

Dive deeper into color theory and master the fundamentals of color harmony, psychology, and accessibility.

Read the Color Theory Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colors should I use in my palette?

Generally, 3-5 main colors plus neutrals (grays, whites, blacks) is ideal. Too many colors can create visual chaos, while too few limits your design options.

What's the difference between hex, RGB, and HSL?

They're different ways to specify the same colors. Hex (#FF0000) is compact, RGB (255, 0, 0) is intuitive, and HSL (0, 100%, 50%) makes it easy to adjust lightness and saturation.

How do I choose colors for a professional website?

Start with your brand identity and target audience. Use color psychology to evoke desired emotions. Ensure accessibility with proper contrast. Consider industry conventions while maintaining uniqueness.

Can I use these tools for commercial projects?

Yes! All our tools are completely free to use for personal and commercial projects. No attribution required.