Planning & Design

Color Scheme Generator

Generate a color scheme using a hue family and a formal harmony method.

Project decision planner

Set the choices for this project for Color Scheme Generator

Method for this tool

What the Color Scheme Generator actually calculates

This generator calculates colors in HSL space. Each hue family has a base angle; analogous companions use minus and plus 30 degrees, complementary uses 180 degrees, split-complementary uses 150 and 210 degrees, and monochrome keeps the base hue. Muted, balanced, and vivid use saturation values of 25, 48, and 75 percent. The light dominant base uses 40 percent of that saturation; supporting, accent, and deep tones use different lightness values. Converted hex colors are screen references, not paint product matches.

The calculation path

Color-theory relationships produce coordinated role-based colors for dominant, secondary, and accent use.

Inputs that can change the answer

  • Starting hue: Select the applicable starting hue from the listed choices.
  • Harmony: Select the applicable harmony from the listed choices.
  • Saturation: Select the applicable saturation from the listed choices.

Checks that stay outside the formula

Use the 60–30–10 ratio as a starting point for distributing the scheme.

A practical order for entering the data

  1. Choose a starting hue family that works with finishes you intend to keep.
  2. Select a harmony option and saturation setting, then compare the four returned color roles.
  3. Build physical samples before assigning the colors to large surfaces or purchasing paint.

Engine check using the prefilled sample

Planning example: starting hue = Blue, harmony = Analogous and saturation = Muted. These sample choices show the rule path only; use the options that reflect the room and priorities you actually have.

Results for these inputs

Dominant
Light base

#E3E6E8

Secondary
Supporting tone

#8FBCBC

Accent
Base-hue accent

#506B86

Contrast
Deep companion

#393960

Color Scheme Generator — Questions to test against the room

How does split-complementary differ from complementary?

Complementary uses the opposite hue at 180 degrees. Split-complementary uses the two hues 30 degrees either side of that opposite, giving two distinct companions.

Does vivid just make the palette brighter?

It increases saturation, while each role retains its lightness. Physical paint and screen appearance still differ; inspect samples under the room lighting.