Choosing colors for design projects can be an overwhelming task with thousands of hues and shades to pick from. However, there are some simple tips and tricks that make the process much easier. Starting with a basic 3 color palette is a great way to create color schemes that are cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and effective. In this article, we will explore what a basic 3 color palette is, examine some common examples, and discuss how to use this technique effectively in your own designs.
What is a Basic 3 Color Palette?
A basic 3 color palette refers to selecting 3 main colors that work well together to form the core of a color scheme. This provides a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your palette.
The 3 colors should consist of a dominant color, secondary color, and an accent or tertiary color. The dominant color makes up the majority of the scheme. The secondary color plays a supporting role. Finally, the accent color is used more sparingly to make key elements stand out.
When selecting a basic 3 color palette, it’s important to choose colors that have an inherent visual relationship. Using colors that are analogous, complementary, or triadic on the color wheel results in harmonious and balanced palettes.
Benefits of a 3 Color Palette
There are several advantages to building color schemes around a basic 3 color palette:
- Provides a simple starting point when faced with endless color choices
- Creates unity and cohesion through limiting the number of colors
- Allows for enough variety to convey different meanings and emphasis
- Easier for viewers to process than schemes with many competing colors
- Builds in color theory relationships from the start
- Versatile and adaptable to expand upon
With just 3 colors, it’s possible to develop a flexible palette that achieves visual impact while maintaining harmony.
Examples of Basic 3 Color Palettes
Some classic examples of effective basic 3 color palettes include:
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. When combined, they create high contrast and vibrant visuals.
| Dominant Color | Red |
| Secondary Color | Green |
| Accent Color | Yellow |
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors are located side-by-side on the color wheel. They are easy on the eyes when used together.
| Dominant Color | Orange |
| Secondary Color | Red-Orange |
| Accent Color | Yellow-Orange |
Triadic Colors
Triadic color schemes use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This creates a vibrant and balanced palette.
| Dominant Color | Blue |
| Secondary Color | Red |
| Accent Color | Yellow |
Split Complementary
This scheme uses a color, the two colors adjacent to its complementary color, and a complement. It has strong visual contrast.
| Dominant Color | Green |
| Secondary Color | Red-Violet |
| Accent Color | Red-Orange |
Tips for Choosing a 3 Color Palette
Here are some helpful tips when selecting colors for your basic 3 color palette:
- Pick a dominant color first that aligns with your overall vision
- Choose a complementary, analogous or triadic scheme for color relationships
- Use a color wheel and experiment with different combinations
- Consider the meaning and symbolism you want to convey
- Aim for sufficient contrast between colors
- Watch out for jarring clashes or dull, muddy combinations
- View colors in different lighting conditions
- Look at combinations on the actual materials/mediums used
- Use accents judiciously to attract attention
- Allow room to expand the palette later if needed
Building out from a basic 3 color palette makes the process much more manageable. Keep color theory principles in mind as you test out colorways.
Using a 3 Color Palette in Designs
Once you’ve selected your basic 3 color palette, it’s time to apply it to your design work. Here are some tips for effectively using your palette:
- Use your dominant color for major elements like backgrounds, large text, and headers
- Use the secondary color for smaller components like subtitles, dividers, borders, etc
- Use the accent color sparingly on actionable items like buttons, links, icons, etc
- Differentiate visual hierarchy, draw attention, and create contrast
- Establish color-coding to reinforce relationships
- Transition between colors smoothly using gradations
- Auto-generate accessible variants to comply with accessibility standards
Experiment to find the right balance between your 3 core colors. Staying consistent across different applications will make your color palette more recognizable. Feel free to expand your palette with neutral shades, tints and tones as needed. Just keep the original 3 colors as an anchor.
Conclusion
Basic 3 color palettes provide beginners and pros alike with a simple framework for creating unified, aesthetically pleasing color schemes. By focusing on just 3 strategically selected dominant, secondary, and accent colors, it becomes much easier to develop themes that are harmonious and impactful.
Understanding how to combine complementary, analogous, triadic, and other color theory relationships is key to building effective 3 color palettes. With some experimentation and following best practices, anyone can leverage this technique to add meaningful color to their designs. So don’t be afraid to start simple. A thoughtfully crafted 3 color palette lays the foundation for color success.
