Interactive Color Wheel
Master color theory with our interactive 12-color wheel. Discover beautiful analogous, complementary, triadic, and monochromatic schemes.
Note: Click any color on the wheel to select it, then choose a scheme/Harmony type.
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Select a color on the wheel and a scheme type above to see results
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Color Scheme Examples
Browse complete examples of every color scheme based on the 12-color wheel.
| BASE COLOR | ANALOGOUS SCHEME | PREVIEW |
|---|
Quick Summary
| Scheme | Rule | Example | Count (12-color wheel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analogous | Adjacent colors | Yellow, Yellow-Green, Green | 12 groups |
| Monochromatic | One hue, different shades/tints | Sky Blue, Blue, Navy Blue | 12 groups |
| Complementary | Opposite colors | Yellow + Violet | 6 pairs |
| Triadic | Three equally spaced colors | Red + Yellow + Blue | 4 unique groups |
| Square Tetradic | 4 equally spaced | Red + Yellow + Green + Blue | 3 groups |
| Split Complementary | Base + 2 adjacent to comp | Yellow + Red-Violet + Blue-Violet | 12 groups |
| Side Complementary | Base + 1 adjacent to comp | Yellow + Red-Violet | 24 groups |
| Double Complementary | Rectangle (2 comp pairs) | Yellow + Violet + Yellow-Green + Red-Violet | 3 groups |
| Double Split Comp. | Pentagonal (5 colors) | Yellow + Red-Orange + Red-Violet + Blue-Violet + Blue-Green | 12 groups |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about color theory and how to use our interactive tools.
What are analogous colors?
Analogous colors are groups of three colors that are situated directly next to each other on the 12-color wheel. They create harmonious color schemes often found in nature.
What is a complementary color scheme?
A complementary color scheme pairs two colors that are exactly opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a high-contrast, vibrant, and energetic look.
How many colors are on a traditional color wheel?
A traditional color wheel consists of 12 colors: 3 primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue), 3 secondary colors (Orange, Green, Violet), and 6 tertiary colors (Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, and Red-Violet).
What is a monochromatic color scheme?
A monochromatic scheme uses a single base hue but varies the saturation and lightness. It includes tints (adding white), tones (adding gray), and shades (adding black).
How to use color theory in art?
In art, color theory is used to evoke emotions, create depth, and guide the viewer's eye. You can use complementary colors to create high-contrast focal points, or analogous colors to create a cohesive, moody atmosphere. Understanding color temperature (warm vs. cool) helps push elements forward or recede them into the background.