Color Theory Basics for Web Design: Choosing the Right Palette

Color is among the most powerful web design tools. Basic color theory helps create professional palettes that communicate the right message.

Color Relationships

Complementary colors create high contrast for buttons. Analogous colors create calm designs. Triadic colors offer vibrant variety with balance. The color wheel organizes these relationships.

Psychology and Accessibility

Blue conveys trust. Green suggests growth. Orange creates urgency. WCAG requires 4.5 to 1 contrast for text. Start with one brand color, use neutrals for interface, and limit to three to five total colors.