Color Schemes
Color SchemesMonochromatic, Analogous, and Complementary
Triads, Tetrads, and Hexads
Warm and Cool Colors
Earth Tones
Polychromatic Schemes
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMEVariations in color based on one hue.
ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEMEVariations in color between hues adjacent to one another on the color wheel.
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEMEVariations in color based on colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
SIMULTANEOUS CONTRASTAn effect achieved by placing highly contrasting colors (complements), values, and intensities next to each other.
TRIADThree colors that are equidistant from one another (form an equilateral triangle) on the color wheel.
HEXADSix colors obtained by choosing every other color on the color wheel.
TETRADFour colors that are equidistant from one another (form a square or rectangle) on the color wheel.
Polychromatic Color SchemeHaving many colors; random or intuitive use of color combinations as opposed to color selection based on a specific color scheme.
Earth Tones
Analysis:Color temperatureColor SchemeKeyMood

Color Schemes