Color harmony describes combinations that feel balanced. Most classic schemes are defined by angles on the color wheel. On screens we use the RGB/HSL wheel, where red is 0°, green 120° and blue 240°.
Complementary
Two colors opposite each other (180° apart), such as blue and orange . Complementary pairs create the strongest contrast — ideal for a call-to-action button against a background, but tiring when both are used in large, saturated areas.
Analogous
Three neighboring hues (about 30° apart). Analogous schemes feel natural and calm because they appear together in nature — think of autumn leaves or a sunset. Add a neutral for text and contrast.
Triadic
Three hues evenly spaced (120° apart). Triadic palettes are vibrant and balanced; let one color dominate and use the other two as accents.
Split-complementary
A base color plus the two hues next to its complement (±30° from 180°). It keeps much of the contrast of a complementary scheme with less visual tension, which makes it forgiving for beginners.
Tetradic (square and rectangle)
Four hues forming a square (90° apart) or a rectangle (two complementary pairs). Rich but hard to balance — choose one dominant color and reduce the saturation of the others.
Monochromatic
One hue in different lightness and saturation levels. Monochromatic schemes are elegant and easy to keep consistent, but add one contrasting accent so important elements stand out.
Harmony is a starting point
Rules give you candidates, not finished palettes. Adjust lightness and saturation, check contrast and test with real content. Try all six schemes for any color with the color harmony generator.
