Free Color Picker & Palette Generator Online

Use this free color picker and palette generator to pick any color and instantly build a matching palette — shades, analogous, complementary, or triadic. Every swatch shows its hex code and copies to your clipboard with one click, so you can drop it straight into your design tool, CSS, or Canva project — no sign-up required.

Hex code

What is a color palette generator and why it matters

A color palette generator takes one base color and builds a set of related colors around it, using color theory rather than guesswork. This matters because picking colors that work well together by eye is hard — colors that look fine individually can clash badly side by side. Whether you're designing a website, a logo, a slide deck, or a piece of art, starting from a generated palette saves time and gives you a set of colors that are already balanced and harmonious, instead of trial and error in a design tool.

How this tool works

Pick a base color using the color wheel or by typing a hex code directly. The tool converts your color into HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) internally, which makes it possible to calculate mathematically accurate relationships:

Shades — the same hue at different lightness levels, from near-white to near-black.
Analogous — colors sitting next to your base color on the color wheel, for a cohesive, low-contrast look.
Complementary — your color paired with its opposite on the color wheel, for high-contrast accents.
Triadic — three colors spaced evenly around the color wheel, for a vibrant but balanced scheme.

Click any swatch to instantly copy its hex code to your clipboard.

Common searches this tool answers

How do I generate a color palette from one color?
What colors go with this color?
How do I find a complementary color for my brand color?
What is an analogous color scheme?
How do I convert a hex code to RGB or HSL?

How to use it

Click the color swatch or type a hex code to set your base color.
Choose a palette style: Shades, Analogous, Complementary, or Triadic.
Review the generated swatches and their hex codes.
Click any swatch to copy its hex code to your clipboard.
Use the RGB and HSL values shown if your tool needs a different color format.

Tips

Use Shades when you need a monochromatic look for buttons, hover states, or backgrounds.
Use Complementary sparingly — it's best for one accent color, not for large areas of a design.
Use Analogous palettes for calm, cohesive designs like nature or wellness brands.
Use Triadic palettes when you want energy and contrast without clashing.

Frequently asked questions

Is this color palette generator free to use?
Yes. It is completely free, works in your browser, and does not require any sign-up or download.

Does it work with any color format?
You can enter a hex code directly, or use the color picker. The tool also shows the equivalent RGB and HSL values for every color.

What's the difference between complementary and analogous colors?
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create high contrast. Analogous colors sit next to each other and create a more harmonious, low-contrast look.

Can I use these palettes for a website or app?
Yes. The hex codes generated work directly in CSS, design tools like Figma or Canva, and most software that accepts hex color codes.

Does this tool save my palettes?
No, palettes are generated instantly in your browser and are not stored. Copy the hex codes you want to keep before leaving the page.

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