Interactive Color Wheel
Click any position on the color wheel to select a color. Choose a harmony type to see matching colors with connecting lines. Toggle between the traditional RYB artist's wheel and the digital RGB wheel.
Understanding Color Harmonies
Color harmonies are combinations of colors that are visually pleasing when used together. They are based on geometric relationships on the color wheel.
Types of Color Harmony
- Complementary — two colors directly opposite each other on the wheel. Creates high contrast and vibrant look.
- Analogous — three colors next to each other on the wheel. Creates serene and comfortable designs.
- Triadic — three colors evenly spaced around the wheel (120° apart). Offers vibrant contrast with balance.
- Split-Complementary — a base color plus two colors adjacent to its complement. High contrast with less tension.
- Tetradic — four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel. Offers rich color possibilities.
RYB vs RGB Color Wheels
The RYB wheel is the traditional artist's wheel with Red, Yellow, and Blue as primaries at 12, 4, and 8 o'clock. The RGB wheel is the digital wheel with Red, Green, and Blue as primaries. The arrangement of secondary colors differs between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a color wheel?
A color wheel is a circular arrangement of hues that shows the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. It was first proposed by Isaac Newton in 1704 and remains the central tool of color theory for identifying harmonies and planning color schemes.
How do I use a color wheel?
Click anywhere on the wheel to select a base color, then choose a harmony type (complementary, analogous, triadic, etc.) to see matching colors with connecting lines. The selected color's hex, RGB, and HSL values appear below the wheel for easy copying.
What are complementary colors?
Complementary colors are pairs directly opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. They create maximum visual contrast and are often used for emphasis — one color as the dominant scheme, the other as an accent.
What is the difference between the RYB and RGB color wheels?
The RYB wheel is the traditional artist's wheel with red, yellow, and blue as primaries. The RGB wheel is the digital wheel with red, green, and blue as primaries. The arrangement of secondary colors differs between the two because they represent different color models — subtractive (paint) versus additive (light).
Color Wheel Poster
A printed color wheel for art classes, studios, and classrooms.
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