About Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. When placed side by side, they create strong visual contrast and make each other appear more vibrant.
Complementary
Two colors that are 180° apart on the color wheel. Creates maximum contrast and visual impact, perfect for highlighting important elements.
Split-Complementary
Base color plus two colors adjacent to its complement. Offers vibrant contrast while being more balanced than pure complementary.
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel (120° apart). Creates vibrant, balanced schemes ideal for dynamic designs.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter a hex color code, use the color picker, or select from preset colors
- View the automatically generated complementary colors and harmony schemes
- Click on any color value to copy it to your clipboard
- Choose the color scheme that best fits your design needs
When to Use Each Scheme
- Complementary: High impact designs, call-to-action buttons, highlighting important elements
- Split-Complementary: Web layouts and branding that need contrast without being aggressive
- Triadic: Playful, vibrant designs, children's content, creative projects
💡 Color Theory Tips
- • Use complementary colors sparingly for maximum impact - too much contrast can be overwhelming
- • Consider adjusting saturation and lightness to create more subtle variations
- • Test color combinations for accessibility - ensure sufficient contrast for readability
- • Remember that color perception can vary between devices and lighting conditions