Random Color Palette Generator
Press Space to generate a new palette. Click a color to copy its hex. Lock colors you want to keep, and pick a tone from Pastel to Deep for lighter or darker results. Each color is named from our database of 7,000+ named colors.
Export Palette
How to Generate a Color Palette
Generating a color palette is the fastest way to find inspiration for a design project. Here is how to use this tool:
- Press Space — or click "Generate New Palette" to create a random set of 4 colors. Each color is named from our database of over 7,000 named colors.
- Lock colors you like — click the lock icon on any color to keep it while regenerating the rest. This lets you build a palette iteratively, keeping what works and replacing what doesn't.
- Choose a harmony mode — switch from Random to Analogous, Complementary, Triadic, or Split-Complementary to generate colors that follow color theory principles.
- Set the tone — pick from eight tone presets, Pastel to Deep, to bias the palette toward soft, light, balanced, or dark colors.
- Add or remove colors — use "+ Add color" and "- Remove color" to adjust the palette between 2 and 8 swatches, or click the Remove button on any swatch to drop a specific color.
- Start over — click Reset at any time to clear all locks, restore the default tone and harmony, and roll a fresh 4-color palette.
- Copy or export — click any color to copy its hex code, or use the export panel to copy all colors as CSS variables or JSON.
About Color Harmony Theory
Color harmony is the theory of combining colors in ways that are visually pleasing. The harmony modes in this tool are based on geometric relationships on the color wheel:
- Analogous — colors adjacent on the wheel. Creates calm, cohesive palettes.
- Complementary — colors opposite on the wheel. Creates high-contrast, energetic palettes.
- Triadic — three colors evenly spaced on the wheel. Creates vibrant, balanced palettes.
- Split-Complementary — a base color plus the two adjacent to its complement. Creates contrast with less tension than complementary.
Each generated color is matched to its nearest named color from our 7,000+ color database using CIE Delta E perceptual distance, so you always know what your colors are called. Explore the full database in our Color Names Browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I generate a color palette?
Press the Spacebar or click "Generate New Palette" to create a random set of 4 colors. Click the lock icon on any color to keep it while regenerating the rest. Use the Add and Remove color buttons to adjust the palette between 2 and 8 swatches, and Reset to clear locks and start over. Choose a harmony mode to generate colors that follow color theory principles.
Can I make pastel or dark palettes?
Yes. The tone buttons below the harmony options offer eight presets: Pastel, Light, Soft, Balanced, Muted, Dark, Shadow, and Deep. Pastel generates soft, high-lightness colors, while Deep generates near-black shades. Any harmony mode works with any tone.
What is color harmony?
Color harmony is the theory of combining colors in visually pleasing ways based on their positions on the color wheel. Common harmonies include analogous (adjacent colors), complementary (opposite colors), triadic (evenly spaced), and split-complementary (base plus adjacent to its complement).
Can I lock colors I like?
Yes. Click the lock icon on any color swatch to lock it. When you generate a new palette, locked colors stay in place while the rest are regenerated. This lets you build a palette iteratively — keep what works, replace what doesn't.
How do I export my palette?
Use the export panel below the palette. You can copy all colors as CSS custom properties (variables) for use in your stylesheet, or as JSON for use in JavaScript or design tools. Click the Copy button next to either format.
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