Start with the job, not a favorite hex code
Before choosing a color, decide what the design needs to communicate. A calm journaling app and a high-energy event site can use equally good palettes, but the right choices will not look the same. Collect two or three reference images and write down three adjectives that describe the intended mood.
Choose a useful hierarchy
Start with a neutral canvas for backgrounds and readable text. Add one primary accent for main actions. A secondary accent can help with supporting illustrations or less-important highlights. Keep decorative colors out of critical buttons unless they meet contrast requirements.
Check the colors in context
Flat strips make many combinations seem appealing. Apply the palette to headings, body text, navigation, cards, and buttons. If every element attracts the same attention, simplify. If body text feels weak, increase contrast instead of adding more colors.
Create reusable tokens
Name colors for their purpose—background, surface, text, primary, or border—when implementing a real UI. You can keep numeric palette tokens for exploration, then map them to semantic roles before building. This makes later revisions easier.
Before you ship
Compare the colors against the actual design, verify small text and form states with the Contrast Checker, and export named tokens so future edits remain consistent. There is no palette that automatically makes every interface accessible.
Try it with real colors.
Explore a harmonious palette and see what your choices do in an interface.
Open color studio