Color Palette Generator

What is a Color Palette?

A color palette is a collection of colors that work well together, typically used for UI design, branding, web themes, or visual projects. Good palettes follow color harmony principles to create aesthetically pleasing combinations.

How to Use This Tool

Generate a Palette

1. Choose number of colors: Select 3–8 colors using the "Colors" dropdown
2. Select harmony mode:

   • Random: Completely random colors (great for exploration)
   • Analogous: Colors adjacent on the color wheel (harmonious, natural)
   • Complementary: Opposite colors on the wheel (high contrast, vibrant)
   • Monochromatic: Same hue with varying lightness (subtle, elegant)
3. Click Generate to create a new palette
4. Lock colors you like: Click the lock icon (🔓 → 🔒) to preserve specific colors
5. Click Generate again to regenerate unlocked colors only
6. Copy individual colors: Click any color swatch to copy its HEX code
7. Export as JSON: Copy the entire palette as JSON for use in code

Color Harmony Modes Explained

Random

• Generates completely random colors with good saturation and lightness
• Best for: Exploration, playful designs, creative inspiration
• Use when: You want maximum variety and unexpected combinations

Analogous

• Colors sit next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, green)
• Creates harmonious, natural-looking palettes
• Best for: Nature themes, calming designs, professional UIs
• Use when: You want colors that blend smoothly without high contrast

Complementary

• Uses opposite colors on the wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green)
• Creates vibrant, high-contrast combinations
• Best for: Call-to-action buttons, energetic designs, attention-grabbing elements
• Use when: You need strong visual impact and color contrast

Monochromatic

• Single hue with variations in lightness (e.g., light blue, medium blue, dark blue)
• Creates sophisticated, cohesive palettes
• Best for: Minimalist designs, elegant branding, subtle gradients
• Use when: You want a clean, unified color scheme

Locking Colors

The lock feature lets you preserve colors you love while regenerating the rest:

1. Generate a palette
2. Click the lock icon (🔓) on colors you want to keep
3. Click Generate again—locked colors stay, others regenerate
4. Mix and match: Lock your brand colors, then generate complementary accent colors

Using Generated Palettes

In CSS/Tailwind

:root {
  --color-primary: #3B82F6;
  --color-secondary: #8B5CF6;
  --color-accent: #F59E0B;
}

In JavaScript/React

const palette = [
  { hex: "#3B82F6", rgb: { r: 59, g: 130, b: 246 } },
  { hex: "#8B5CF6", rgb: { r: 139, g: 92, b: 246 } }
];

In Design Tools

• Copy HEX codes directly into Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD
• Use RGB values for print design or precise color matching
• Save JSON for programmatic theme generation

Tips for Great Palettes

• Start with 5 colors: Enough variety without overwhelming
• Use monochromatic for backgrounds: Subtle variations for cards, sections, shadows
• Use complementary for CTAs: High-contrast buttons stand out
• Lock your brand color: Generate accent colors around your main brand color
• Test accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast for text (use a contrast checker)
• Save your favorites: Screenshot or export JSON for palettes you love
• Iterate: Generate, lock favorites, regenerate, repeat until perfect