Define the purpose
A palette for a website, bedroom, outfit, or brand has different practical constraints. Identify where the colours will appear, what needs to stand out, and which colours must remain readable or printable.
Choose a starting point
Begin with a reference image, material, existing brand colour, or mood. Extract a few candidate colours, but do not use every colour from the source. Select the hues that support the purpose of the project.
Create roles and hierarchy
Assign each colour a role such as background, surface, primary, secondary, accent, or text. A palette becomes easier to apply when its roles are defined rather than left to individual judgement on every page.
Test and refine
Check the palette in realistic mock-ups. Review contrast, neighbouring colours, large and small areas, and different devices or materials. Remove colours that do not have a clear purpose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a colour palette?
Start with the project's purpose and one useful reference colour or image, then build supporting colours around it.
Should every colour in a palette be used equally?
No. Defining dominant, supporting, and accent roles creates clearer hierarchy.
How many colours are ideal?
The right number depends on the project. A small, well-defined palette is often easier to manage than a large set of unrelated colours.
Keep exploring
Browse more tools & resources guides or return to the ColourMatching.com home page for more practical colour resources.