Practical color guide

Guide to building color palettes

Build cohesive palettes with complementary, analogous, triadic and monochrome relationships.

01

Start with one anchor color

The anchor should reflect the primary role of the project. Evaluate its lightness and readability before expanding the palette.

02

Balance rather than equality

Palette colors do not need equal usage. A dominant color, a supporting color and a restrained accent usually create clearer structure.

03

Remember neutral tones

Backgrounds, dividers and text need deliberate neutrals so primary colors have room to stand out.