Colours shape how people feel about your brand and how easily they can use your website. A well-chosen palette looks professional, guides attention to important actions and keeps text readable. Colour palette tools help you generate harmonious combinations, extract colours from images and test contrast for accessibility.
Elements of a Website Colour Palette
| — | — | — |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Main brand colour | Header, links, key highlights |
| Accent | Draws attention | Buttons, calls to action |
| Neutral dark | Text | Body text, headings |
| Support colours | Status messages | Success, warning, error |
Types of Colour Palette Tools
- Palette generators: create harmonious combinations randomly or from a base colour
- Image colour extractors: pull palettes from photos or logos
- Colour wheels: show complementary, analogous and triadic schemes
- Contrast checkers: test text and background combinations
- Design system tools: create shades and tints from a base colour
Colour Harmony Basics
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|---|
Choosing Colours for Your Brand
- Consider your audience and industry
- Think about emotions associated with colours
- Check competitors to stand out while staying appropriate
- Keep the palette small and consistent
Accessibility and Contrast
Text must contrast strongly with its background. WCAG recommends a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use contrast checkers when choosing text and button colours.
Applying Colours in WordPress
- Block themes: set colours in Styles → Colors in the Site Editor
- Classic themes: use the Customizer or theme options
- Save hex codes in a brand guide for consistency in graphics and social media
Example Palette Structure
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Primary | #1565C0 |
| Accent | #FFB300 |
| Text | #1A1A1A |
| Background | #FFFFFF |
| Light section | #F4F7FB |
Dark Mode Considerations
If your site supports dark mode, test palettes in both modes and adjust colours to keep contrast and brand recognition.
Common Mistakes
- Using too many colours
- Light grey text on white backgrounds
- Buttons that blend into backgrounds
- Inconsistent colours across pages and graphics
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colours should a website use?
Typically one primary, one or two accents and neutrals.
What colour is best for buttons?
A contrasting accent colour that stands out from surroundings.
Do colours affect conversions?
Contrast and clarity matter more than any single “best” colour.
Where can I store my palette?
In a brand guide, design tool brand kit and theme settings.
Conclusion
Colour palette tools help you choose harmonious, accessible colours for your brand and website. Keep your palette small, test contrast, apply colours consistently and use accents to guide visitors toward important actions.
