Color Palette Generator Tool - Harmony-Based Palette Creator with Image Extraction and Contrast Matrix

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This tool generates harmonious color palettes using color theory algorithms. Choose a base color and harmony type, or press Space for random palettes. You can also extract colors from images. All processing happens in your browser.

All processing is performed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No data is transmitted to any server. Your colors and images never leave your device.

  • This tool is provided "AS IS" without any warranties of any kind.
  • The author accepts no responsibility for color accuracy across different displays or color spaces.
  • Generated palettes are for reference purposes; always verify colors in your target medium.
  • By using this tool, you accept full responsibility for any outcomes.

This tool uses client-side JavaScript for all processing. No data is transmitted to servers, no files are uploaded online, all processing happens locally in your browser. Once loaded, this tool continues to work even without an internet connection. For more details, please refer to our Web Tools Disclaimer.

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Drop an image here or click to browse
Space for random

Palette

Accessibility

UI Preview

Export

Palette History

Features

  • 7 Harmony Schemes: Analogous, Complementary, Triadic, Tetradic, Split Complementary, Monochromatic, and Square color harmonies based on color theory.
  • Random Palette Generation: Press Space for instant random palettes using cryptographically secure randomness with aesthetic heuristics (golden ratio, analogous cluster, high contrast, pastel).
  • Lock & Unlock Colors: Lock individual colors you like and regenerate only the unlocked ones.
  • Image Color Extraction: Upload any image to extract its dominant colors using median cut quantization.
  • Interactive Color Wheel: Visual representation of your palette on the HSL color wheel, showing harmony relationships.
  • WCAG Contrast Matrix: Check WCAG 2.1 contrast ratios between all palette color pairs (AAA, AA, AA-Large, Fail).
  • Color Blindness Simulation: Preview your palette as seen by people with Protanopia, Deuteranopia, or Tritanopia.
  • UI Component Preview: See your palette applied to a sample UI card with header, body text, and buttons.
  • Multi-Format Export: Export to CSS Variables, SCSS Variables, Tailwind Config, JSON, HEX Array, or SVG Swatches.
  • Global Fine-Tuning: Adjust saturation and lightness across the entire palette while preserving harmony.
  • Palette History: Recently generated palettes are saved locally for easy recall.
  • Add/Remove Colors: Dynamically adjust palette size from 2 to 10 colors.

How to Use

  1. Pick a base color using the color picker or enter a HEX value, then select a harmony type and click Generate Palette.
  2. Alternatively, press Space or click Random Palette for instant inspiration.
  3. To extract colors from a photo, switch to the Extract from Image tab, upload an image, and click Extract Colors.
  4. Click any color swatch to see its HEX, RGB, and HSL values. Use the lock icon to preserve colors during regeneration.
  5. Enable Color Blindness simulation or Show Contrast Matrix to check accessibility.
  6. Choose an export format and click Generate Export to get your palette in CSS, SCSS, Tailwind, JSON, or SVG format.

Important Notes

  • Color appearance varies across displays, operating systems, and color profiles. Always test your final palette in the target environment.
  • The color blindness simulation uses mathematical approximations and should be used as a general guide, not a definitive test.
  • WCAG contrast ratios are calculated using the standard relative luminance formula per WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
  • Palette history is stored in your browser's localStorage and is not synced across devices.
  • Image color extraction processes images locally; no image data is transmitted anywhere.

References:
Tech Blog with curated related content
Web Tools Collection

Written by Hidekazu Konishi