Color scheme

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Celebration with fireworks over Miami, Florida, USA on American Independence Day. Bank of
America Tower is also lit with the red, white and blue color scheme.
In color theory, a color scheme is the choice of colors used in design for a range of media. For
example, the "Achromatic" use of a white background with black text is an example of a basic
and commonly default color scheme in web design.
Color schemes are used to create style and appeal. Colors that create an aesthetic feeling when
used together will commonly accompany each other in color schemes. A basic color scheme will
use two colors that look appealing together. More advanced color schemes involve several
colors in "Analogous" combination, usually based around a single color; for example, text with
such colors as red, yellow,and orange arranged together on a black background in a magazine
article. The addition of light blue creates an "Accented Analogous" color scheme.
Color schemes can contain different "Monochromatic" shades of a single color; for example, a
color scheme that mixes different shades of green, ranging from very light (white), to very neutral
(gray), to very dark (black).
Use of the phrase color scheme may also and commonly does refer to choice and use of colors
used outside typicalaesthetic media and context, although may still be used for purely aesthetic
effect as well as for purely practical reasons. This most typically refers to color patterns and
designs as seen on vehicles, particularly those used in the military when concerning color
patterns and designs used for identification of friend or foe, identification of specific military units,
or as camouflage.
A color scheme in marketing is referred to as a trade dress and can be sometimes
be copyrighted, as is the pink color ofOwens-Corning fiberglass.
[1]

Color schemes are often described in terms of logical combinations of colors on a color wheel.
Different
[which?]
types of schemes are used.
[2][3][4]

Contents
[hide]
1 List of color schemes
o 1.1 Monochromatic colors
o 1.2 Complementary colors
1.2.1 Split-Complementary
o 1.3 Achromatic colors
o 1.4 Analogous colors
1.4.1 Accented analogous
o 1.5 Triadic colors
o 1.6 Tetradic colors
1.6.1 Rectangle
1.6.2 Square
o 1.7 Polychromatic colors
2 See also
3 References
4 External links
List of color schemes[edit]
Further information: color theory
Monochromatic colors[edit]
Main article: Monochromatic color

Example of monochromatic color
Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue.
Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base hue, and extended using its
shades, tones and tints (that is, a hue modified by the addition of black, gray (black + white) and
white. As a result, the energy is more subtle and peaceful due to a lack of contrast of hue.
Complementary colors[edit]


Chevreul's 1855 "chromatic diagram" based on theRYB color model, showing complementary
colors and other relationships
Main article: Complementary color
For the mixing of colored light, Newton's color wheel is often used to describe complementary
colors, which are colors which cancel each other's hue to produce an achromatic (white, gray or
black) light mixture. Newton offered as a conjecture that colors exactly opposite one another on
the hue circle cancel out each other's hue; this concept was demonstrated more thoroughly in
the 19th century.
[citation needed]

A key assumption in Newton's hue circle was that the "fiery" or maximum saturated hues are
located on the outer circumference of the circle, while achromatic white is at the center. Then the
saturation of the mixture of two spectral hues was predicted by the straight line between them;
the mixture of three colors was predicted by the "center of gravity" or centroid of three triangle
points, and so on.
Split-Complementary[edit]
The split-complementary (also called Compound Harmony) color scheme is a variation of the
complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two "Analogous" colors
adjacent to its complement. Split-complementary color scheme has the same strong visual
contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension. The split-complimentary color
scheme is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.
Achromatic colors[edit]
Main article: Achromatic color
Any color that lacks strong chromatic content is said to be unsaturated, achromatic, or
near neutral. Pure achromatic colors include black, white and all grays; near neutrals include
browns, tans, pastels and darker colors. Near neutrals can be of any hue or lightness.
Neutrals are obtained by mixing pure colors with white, black or gray, or by mixing two
complementary colors. In color theory, neutral colors are colors easily modified by adjacent more
saturated colors and they appear to take on the hue complementary to the saturated color. Next
to a bright red couch, a gray wall will appear distinctly greenish.
Black and white have long been known to combine well with almost any other colors; black
decreases the apparent saturationor brightness of colors paired with it, and white shows off all
hues to equal effect.
[citation needed]

Analogous colors[edit]
Main article: Analogous color
Analogous colors (also called Dominance Harmony) color scheme are groups of colors that are
adjacent to each other on the color wheel, with one being the dominant color, which tends to be
a primary or secondary color, and two on either side complementing, which tend to be tertiary.
The term analogous refers to the having analogy, or corresponding to something in particular. An
analogous color scheme creates a rich, monochromatic look. Its best used with either warm or
cool colors, creating a look that has a certain temperature as well as proper color harmony. While
this is true, the scheme also lacks contrast and is less vibrant
than complementary schemes.
[citation needed]

Red, yellow and orange are examples of analogous colors
Accented analogous[edit]
An accented analogous complementary scheme utilizes related hues lying adjacent on the color
wheel with a hue directly opposite to these. This direct complement becomes the accent color,
used to creating a dominant color grouping of three similar colors accented with the direct
complement (or the near complement) of one of them. The complementary accent color creates
and interesting contrast against the dominant color grouping. This scheme is frequently used to
put warm accent color with a cool analogous color pallet, or a cool accent color with a warm
pallet.
Triadic colors[edit]
Main article: Triadic color

This section
requires expansion.(April 2014)
The triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. The easiest
way to place them on the wheel is by using a triangle of equal sides. Triadic color schemes tend
to be quite vibrant, even when using pale or unsaturated versions of hues, offers a higher degree
of contrast while at the same time retains the color harmony. This scheme is very popular among
artists because it offers strong visual contrast while retaining balance, and color richness. The
triadic scheme is not as contrasting as the complementary scheme, but it is easier to accomplish
balance and harmony with these colors.
Tetradic colors[edit]
Main article: Tetradic color

This section
requires expansion.(April 2014)
The tetradic (double complementary) colors scheme is the richest of all the schemes because it
uses four colors arranged into two complementary color pairs. This scheme is hard to harmonize
and requires a color to be dominant or subdue the colors.; if all four colors are used in equal
amounts, the scheme may look unbalanced.
Rectangle[edit]
The rectangle color scheme uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs and offers
plenty of possibilities for variation. Tetradic color schemes works best when one color is
dominant.
Square[edit]
The square color scheme is similar to the rectangle, but with all four colors spaced evenly around
the color circle. Square color schemes works best when all colors are evenly balanced.

Polychromatic colors[edit]
Main article: Polychromatic
The term polychromatic means having several colors.
It is used to describe light that exhibits more than one color, which also means that it contains
radiation of more than one wavelength. The study of polychromatics is particularly useful in the
production of diffraction gratings.





Basic color schemes
- Introduction to Color Theory
With colors you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use
color to energize, or to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can
create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility, or you can convey an image
of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design element if you learn
to use it effectively.
Content

The Color Wheel

Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors

Warm and cool colors

Tints, Shades, and Tones

Color Harmonies - basic techniques for creating color schemes
- Complementary
- Analogous
- Triadic
- Split-Complementary
- Rectangle (tetradic)
- Square

Colors affect us in numerous ways, both mentally and physically. A strong red color
has been shown to raise the blood pressure, while a blue color has a calming effect.
Being able to use colors consciously and harmoniously can help you create
spectacular results.
The Color Wheel

The color wheel or color circle is the basic tool for combining colors. The first
circular color diagram was designed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.
The color wheel is designed so that virtually any colors you pick from it will look
good together. Over the years, many variations of the basic design have been made,
but the most common version is a wheel of 12 colors based on the RYB (or artistic)
color model.
Traditionally, there are a number of color combinations that are considered
especially pleasing. These are called color harmonies or color chords and they
consist of two or more colors with a fixed relation in the color wheel.
ColorImpact is designed to dynamically create a color wheel to match your base
color.
Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors
In the RYB (or subtractive) color model, the primary colors are red, yellow and
blue.
The three secondary colors (green, orange and purple) are created by mixing two
primary colors.
Another six tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.

The above illustration shows the color circle with the primary, secondary and tertiary
colors. Click on the labels to turn the colors on / off.
Warm and cool colors
The color circle can be divided into warm and cool colors.
Warm colors are vivid and energetic, and tend to advance
in space.
Cool colors give an impression of calm, and create a
soothing impression.
White, black and gray are considered to be neutral.
Tints, Shades, and Tones
These terms are often used incorrectly, although they describe fairly simple color
concepts. If a color is made lighter by adding white, the result is called a tint. If
black is added, the darker version is called a shade. And if gray is added, the result
is a different tone.
Tints - adding white to a pure hue:


Shades - adding black to a pure hue:


Tones - adding gray to a pure hue:



Color Harmonies
- basic techniques for creating color schemes
Below are shown the basic color chords based on the color wheel.


Complementary color scheme
Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are
considered to be complementary colors (example: red
and green).
The high contrast of complementary colors creates a
vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This
color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring.
Complementary color schemes are tricky to use in large
doses, but work well when you want something to stand
out.
Complementary colors are really bad for text.




Analogous color scheme
Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each
other on the color wheel. They usually match well and
create serene and comfortable designs.
Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and
are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an
analogous color scheme.
Choose one color to dominate, a second to support. The
third color is used (along with black, white or gray) as an
accent.




Triadic color scheme
A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced
around the color wheel.
Triadic color schemes tend to be quite vibrant, even if you
use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.
To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colors should
be carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the
two others for accent.




Split-Complementary color scheme
The split-complementary color scheme is a variation of
the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base
color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as
the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.
The split-complimentary color scheme is often a good
choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.



Rectangle (tetradic) color scheme
The rectangle or tetradic color scheme uses four colors
arranged into two complementary pairs.
This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for
variation.
Tetradic color schemes works best if you let one color be
dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between
warm and cool colors in your design.



Square color scheme
The square color scheme is similar to the rectangle, but
with all four colors spaced evenly around the color circle.
Square color schemes works best if you let one color be
dominant.
You should also pay attention to the balance between
warm and cool colors in your design.


Red is the warmest of all colors. Red is the color most chosen
by extroverts and one of the top picks of males. On the negative
side red can mean temper or anger. In China, red is the color of
prosperity and joy. Brides wear red and front doors are often
painted red. Red is Tuesday's color. Red roses symbolize passionate
love. Ruby rings should be worn on the left hand. Red is the color of
Mars. This planet is known as the God of War.
Red Energy
Red is associated with fiery heat and warmth. It can also mean
danger (burning).
Red is the color of blood, and as such has strong symbolism as life
and vitality. It brings focus to the essence of life and living with
emphasis on survival. Red is also the color of passion and lust.
Put some red in your life when you want:
increased enthusiasm and interest
more energy
action and confidence to go after your dreams
protection from fears and anxieties

Pink is the color of universal love. Pink is a quiet color. Lovers of
beauty favor pink. A pink carnation means "I will never forget you".
Pink Energy
Pink is a combination of red and white. The quality of energy in pink
is determined by how much red is present. White is the potential for
fullness, while red helps you to achieve that potential. Pink
combines these energies. Shades of deep pink, such as magenta,
are effective in neutralizing disorder and violence. Some prisons
use limited deep pink tones to diffuse aggressive behaviour.
Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love,
acceptance.
Put some pink in your life when you want:
calm feelings
to neutralize disorder
relaxation
acceptance, contentment

The shade of yellow determines the meaning. Pure, bright and
sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. People who are blind to
other colors can usually see yellow. Yellow is full of creative and
intellectual energy. Always use yellow note pads.
Yellow symbolizes wisdom. Yellow means joy and happiness. People
of high intellect favor yellow. Yellow daffodils are a symbol of
unrequited love. Sunday's color is yellow-gold.
Yellow Energy
Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and
awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green
can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. Orange-
yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears
the mind, making it active and alert.
Put some yellow in your life when you want:
clarity for decision-making
relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
sharper memory and concentration skills
protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather
Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the
most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being.
Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and
harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use
anywhere use green.
Green is favored by well balanced people. Green symbolizes the
master healer and the life force. It often symbolizes MONEY . It was
believed green was healing for the eyes. Egyptians wore green
eyeliner. Green eyeshades are still used. You should eat raw green
foods for good health. Friday is the day of green. Green jade is a
sacred stone of Asia.
Green Energy
Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to
expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the
color green. Change and transformation is necessary for growth,
and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of
green.
Put some green in your life when you want:
a new state of balance
feel a need for change or growth
freedom to pursue new ideas
protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands
of others

Blue is the coolest color - the color of the sky, ocean, sleep, twilight.
The ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli to represent heaven.
Blue symbolizes the Virgin Mary. A pure blue is the color of
inspiration, sincerity and spirituality. Blue is often the chosen color
by conservative people. Blue is the calming color. That makes it a
wonderful color to use in the home, especially for babies. Blue is so
soothing that is a good choice for pajamas. Dark blue is the color of
truth and moderation. A blue iris means your friendship is very
important to me. Wednesday's color is blue. Blue gemstones to
wear to feel calm are blue sapphire and blue topaz. Lapis lazuli and
azurite are said to heighten psychic power.
Turquoise is the symbol of youth, both the color and the
gemstone. This color has a soothing affect. Turquoise is the color of
communication. It contains the growth quality of green with the
blue quality of communication. Turquoise has long been used
in amulets to provide protection, health, confidence and strength.
Aqua is the color of high ideals.
Blue Energy
Blue gives a feeling of distance. Artists use it to to show
perspective. This is a good way to understand the energy of the
color blue - it allows us to look beyond and increase our perspective
outward. It contains a cool vibration that is helpful to
communication.
The vibration if blue can be used to open energy flow where it is
blocked. Using blue to relax will encourage feelings of
communication and peace.
Put some blue in your life when you want:
calm and relaxation to counteract chaos or agitation
to open the flow of communication
to broaden your perspective in learning new information
solitude and peace

Black is the most misunderstood color. A black tie dinner is
very formal and elegant. Women can wear that "must have little
black dress" to the black tie dinner. Yet the bad guys wear black
hats. Black symbolizes death in some cultures. Native Americans
thought black was good because it was the color of soil, which gives
life. Saturday's color is black.
Black Energy
Black is not a color, strictly speaking. It is the absence of all color.
When people speak of opposites, it is usually in terms of black and
white. Black, and its opposite white, represent polarities. Black
absorbs all aspects of light. While white reveals, black conceals. It
has come to mean hidden, fearful or bad experience. It is linked to
the unknown or the unseen.
In times of fear and uncertainty black contains the energy of the
threatening unknown. In a positive state, black is seen as
a restful emptiness into which anything may emerge and disappear
once again. It is also mysterious, providing a sense of potential
and possibility.
Put some black in your life when you want:
to become inconspicuous
to open the door to mystery
to prepare for the unknown
a restful emptiness
White is the color of purity. Brides wear white in many countries,
because white symbolizes a virgin. White means kindness. In some
cultures white is worn at funerals. White is Monday's color. White
daisies are a symbol of loyal love.
White Energy
Strictly speaking, white is not a color, but the manifestation of the
presence of all color - the complete energy of light. It stands for
wholeness and completion. In many cultures it represents openness
and truth. White has a cold quality. It can provide clarity as its
energy is complete.
White has purification vibrations and can be used to clear blocks
from your path.
It holds the potential to move toward every other color and this
makes it a good choice for new beginnings, and development in any
direction.
Put some white in your life when you want:
to clear clutter and obstacles away
to start a fresh beginning
to bring about mental clarity
purification of thoughts or actions

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. It is said to
increase the craving for food. It also stimulates enthusiasm and
creativity. Orange means vitality with endurance. People who like
orange are usually thoughtful and sincere. Lady luck's color is
orange. I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life,
just burn an orange candle for 7 nights.
Orange Energy
While red is associated with fiery heat, orange is associated with the
benign warmth of the sun. A dynamic color to be sure, orange offers
a more thoughtfulcontrol than explosive red. Curiosity is
a driving characteristic of orange, and with it comes exploration of
new things.
Put some orange in your life when you want:
to spice things up when you feel time is dragging
to become more involved in something
to increase creativity
relief from things becoming too serious

Indigo is the color of the deep midnight sky. It can have a negative
effect when used during a depressed state, because it will deepen
the mood. Indigo symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-
mastery and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of
communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward, to
increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant
understandings. While blue can be fast, Indigo is almost
instantaneous. Inventors use indigo skills for inspirations that seem
to 'come out of the blue'.
Put some indigo in your life when you want:
to focus on personal issues
to develop intuition
to step outside of everyday life for a new and interesting way of
viewing a problem
solitude and inner communication


Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone
wolf type or narrow-minded. Gray with more silver in it can be a
very active color.
Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol
for security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility
and conservative practicality.
Gray Energy
Gray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness,
lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics.
Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated
feeling. Gray can have a cooling effect when placed next to other
more vibrant colors. It has a stabilizing effect, making vibrant colors
stand out while muting their vibration.
Put some gray in your life when you want:
to emphasize your willingness to comply
a neutral, non-invasive feeling
to reduce the intense energy of another color
to feel detached or isolated