Then we\u2019ll walk you through how to \u23e9 edit global color settings<\/a>, before getting into the nitty-gritty \u23e9 process of perfecting color schemes<\/a> for websites.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get started! The smart use of complementary and contrasting colors can help your website pop!<\/p><\/div>\n When building a new website, many people simply design it around whatever colors they happen to like. If what you\u2019re creating is a simple WordPress personal blog, this approach can be fine. However, if you\u2019re looking to accomplish a specific goal with your website, you\u2019ll want to give color a bit more thought.<\/p>\n Here are just a few of the reasons why choosing color schemes for websites is an important process:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a designer or an artist, picking an effective color scheme for your website will likely be simple. However, if you’re not, chances are you aren’t certain as to what color scheme will best meet your needs. We’ll cover some important factors to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the optimal color scheme for your website<\/a>. Before we get to that though, first we need to review the basics of how to edit the global color settings on your WordPress site. Settling on the right color scheme doesn\u2019t have to be a complex process. All it takes is a little research and the right tool.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s address the most basic changes you can make to your WordPress site\u2019s color scheme and what tool you will use to make it happen.<\/p>\n The options here will vary depending on what theme you choose<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you have a classic theme installed, like Neve<\/a> for example, then you will use the WordPress Customizer<\/a>.<\/p>\n To access the Customizer, visit Appearance \u2192 Customize<\/em> in your WordPress dashboard<\/a>, and select the Colors & Background<\/em> tab:<\/p>\n As you can see above, Neve comes pre-loaded with some set colors that you can individually customize just by clicking on whatever it is you’d like to change.<\/p>\n You can also very quickly switch to a completely dark color layout by clicking Dark Mode<\/em> (to the right of Base<\/em>) at the top of the Customizer.<\/p>\n The layout will instantly switch and you’ll see the change happen in real time. This is the case for any element that you adjust the color of – as long as that element is visible within the default post shown. When you have the colors looking the way you want them, click on Publish<\/em> at the very top and your color changes will be live. If you have a newer block theme installed, like Neve FSE<\/a> for example, then you will use the Full Site Editor (FSE)<\/a>.<\/p>\n To get started with FSE, navigate to Appearance \u2192 Editor<\/em> in your WordPress dashboard. This will launch the new Site Editor:<\/p>\n You can then choose from either Templates<\/em> or Template Parts<\/em> and begin editing the global colors of various sections of your website. The first time you begin editing using FSE, you’ll be greeted by a brief introduction that quickly explains how FSE works:<\/p>\n In this example, we’re showing how to edit the global color setting of the homepage template (called frontpage in FSE). However, the process and layout will be the same (or very similar) for any of the other templates.<\/p>\n To begin, just click on the small half-and-half circle icon<\/em> on the top right. Then choose colors<\/em> to open up the color choices:<\/p>\n Just as with the Customizer, you will be able to see any color changes you make in real time, as long as the element is present in the default template that you’re editing. So for something like the background, which is part of every page and post, you’ll see the color adjustment instantly:<\/p>\n When you have the colors looking the way you want them, click on Save<\/em> on the top right. You can go through this process and change the color scheme of all of the various elements on your website by using those templates and template parts in the Full Site Editor. As you can see, both the Customizer and the Full Site Editor allow you to alter your global color palette rather quickly. This is convenient and helpful.<\/p>\n However, if you want more control over your site\u2019s appearance, you\u2019ll need to build\u00a0color schemes for websites from scratch. Let\u2019s discuss how to do that now. You can do it in three easy steps:<\/p>\n A predominantly white color scheme invokes a feeling of cleanness and efficiency.<\/p><\/div>\n Before settling on a full color scheme, it helps to have something foundational in place. This means picking a primary color for your site \u2013 the shade that will be used most predominantly.<\/p>\n If you already have strong branding in place for your business or organization, it\u2019s often best to use the primary color for your brand prominently on your website. This will help improve your brand recognition<\/a>, and create consistency between your various presences both on and offline.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have a set color to work with, however, you can choose one with the help of some color psychology. Research has shown that people have predetermined associations with specific colors. This means you can use the primary color on your site to evoke particular thoughts and feelings.<\/p>\n For example, here are a few of the most common colors and their associations<\/a>:<\/p>\n This means you\u2019ll want to think carefully about the effect you want your site to have on visitors. Do you want them to feel calm and relaxed? You may want to pick a shade of blue as your primary color. If you want to attract a young audience and get them excited, on the other hand, red may be a better choice. Once you have a primary color in mind for your website, you can move on to the next task. Some websites can get away with using a single color for their design. Most of the time, however, you\u2019ll want at least a few shades to work with. To make sure the colors you choose go together well, you can use a basic color scheme.<\/p>\n Selecting a color scheme is much easier if you have a tool to help you out. For a great example, you can check out Adobe\u2019s color wheel tool<\/a>. This site enables you to choose a type of color scheme, and find specific colors based on that scheme.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start out with Adobe’s most basic default color scheme option: Analogous<\/em>. With this scheme, you get a few colors that are very similar. In Adobe’s color wheel tool, you can click on the middle selector. Then drag it to the primary color you chose in the previous step:<\/p>\n The tool will offer up four additional colors that will complement your main shade. You can make them lighter or darker by dragging the selectors in and out. The color palette below the wheel will also provide the specific hex codes<\/a> for each color, so you can use them on your site easily.<\/p>\n Analogous<\/em> is a useful color scheme if you want your site\u2019s design to convey a sense of simplicity and efficiency. However, what if you want a little more \u2018pop\u2019? In that case, check out the Complementary<\/em> color scheme:<\/p>\n This will show you the color that\u2019s the exact opposite of your primary shade, which is useful if you want to create sharp contrasts. For an even more extreme version of this effect, there\u2019s the Triad<\/em> color scheme:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for some contrasting colors, but want more than two or three options to work with, the Compound<\/em> color scheme is a nice middle ground:<\/p>\n Feel free to experiment with all the color schemes available until you get a result you like. There are also plenty of other color wheel sites<\/a> you can try out. The nice thing about using this kind of tool is that, whatever colors you settle on, you\u2019ll know they complement one another. Once you have a handful of colors to work with, all that\u2019s left is to actually use them on your site. We wouldn\u2019t want to dictate exactly how you should do this, since you\u2019ll want your site to have its own unique design. However, there are a few guidelines you can follow to generate the most attractive results.<\/p>\n First, you\u2019ll want to decide where to use your primary color. This will be the dominant shade throughout your site, so it\u2019s best to use it for prominent elements such as your header, background, or title text. For a visual example, check out how this website devoted to the artist Gustav Klimpt<\/a> uses its primary dark blue color in both the background and the site\u2019s header:<\/p>\n With your primary color in place, you can use complementary hues for other elements, such as menus, lower-level headings, and so on. Technology company MUV Interactive<\/a> effectively uses similar shades of green and blue to create an attractive look:<\/p>\n Finally, don\u2019t forget about your contrasting colors. These should be used sparingly and for a purpose \u2013 usually to highlight important CTAs. The website Mix The City<\/strong> demonstrates this perfectly, with a bright yellow CTA button that stands out clearly from the otherwise dark design:<\/p>\n There are plenty more examples of websites with stunning color schemes, which you can use as inspiration during your design process. It may take a little time and a few tries to get your colors just right. However, the end result will be well worth the effort involved. We hope you’re finding this article about color schemes for websites informative and helpful thus far. As a quick reference, we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions about color schemes for websites in this FAQ section.<\/p>\n The 60-30-10 rule is a guideline used in website design to create a balanced color scheme. The rule suggests that you should use a ratio of 60% for the dominant color, 30% for the secondary color, and 10% for the accent color.<\/p>\n The dominant color is the main color used in the website’s background. The secondary color is used to complement the dominant color and is used for elements like headers, subheadings, and navigation menus. The accent color is used sparingly to draw attention to important elements such as call-to-action buttons or links.<\/p>\n By using this rule, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive website design. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the 60-30-10 rule is just a guideline. It can (and should) be adjusted to fit your brand’s personality and preferences. The best color harmony rule for websites depends on the specific website and its branding goals. There are many different color schemes to choose from, and the best one will vary depending on the mood and ambiance that the site designer wants to evoke from the audience.<\/p>\n Having said that, one of the most commonly used color harmony rules for websites is the complementary color scheme<\/em>. This scheme involves using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. It creates a strong visual contrast and can make key elements stand out. Other color harmony rules to consider include analogous colors<\/em>, triadic colors<\/em>, and monochromatic color schemes<\/em>. It’s a good idea to experiment with different schemes and seek professional advice if needed to find the best color harmony for your website. Using complementary colors in web page design is important because they create a visual contrast that can help make important elements stand out. By placing complementary colors next to each other, you can create a dynamic and visually interesting design that draws visitors’ attention to key elements on the page.<\/p>\n Complementary colors can be used to create focal points, add depth and dimension to the design, and evoke certain emotions or moods. However, it’s important to use complementary colors sparingly and balance them with other colors. You don’t want to overwhelm visitors or create a jarring visual experience. To use a color palette on a website, first, choose a dominant color that will set the tone for the entire site. Then, select one or two secondary colors to complement the dominant color. Finally, choose an accent color to draw attention to important elements. These would be things like call-to-action buttons or links.<\/p>\n Once you have your color palette, apply the colors consistently throughout the site. Use the dominant color for the background and larger elements. Then pick your secondary and accent colors for smaller elements. Text should be in white or black to ensure readability.<\/p>\n It’s also important to test the color palette on different devices and screen sizes. You want to ensure that the colors look good and are accessible to all users, irrespective of the device they’re using. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what colors go well together on a website. It depends on the specific website’s branding goals and the atmosphere the designer wants to create. However, some commonly used color combinations include complementary colors<\/em> (opposite on the color wheel), analogous colors<\/em> (next to each other on the color wheel), and monochromatic colors<\/em> (varying shades of a single color). You should research color psychology and experiment with different color combinations to find what works best for your website.<\/p>\n The role that color plays in your website design should not be underestimated.<\/p>\n By carefully selecting the colors you use on your website, you can influence the way visitors feel and the associations they make with your content and brand.<\/p>\n You can even use contrasting colors to deliberately draw attention to key elements on your pages.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Fortunately, you don\u2019t have to be a designer to choose effective color schemes for websites. All you need to do is follow these three steps:
\nWhy color schemes for websites matter \ud83c\udfa8<\/h2>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/fcinq-website.png\")
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\n\n\t\tHow to edit global color settings in WordPress<\/h2>\n
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How to edit color schemes using the Customizer<\/h3>\n
![\"Editing](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Editing-global-colors-using-the-Neve-theme.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"Switching](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Switching-to-a-dark-color-layout-inside-of-Neve.webp\")
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\n<\/div><\/div>\nHow to edit color schemes using the Full Site Editor (FSE)<\/h3>\n
![\"Accessing](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Accessing-templates-and-template-parts-in-Neve-FSE.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"Neve](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Neve-FSE-using-the-full-site-editor.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"Neve](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Neve-FSE-setting-the-global-color-options-inside-the-full-site-editor.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"Neve](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Neve-FSE-changing-the-backgound-color-using-the-full-site-editor.webp\")
<\/p>\n
\nHow to choose color schemes for websites<\/h2>\n
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Step 1: Choose the primary color for your website<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dream-team-website.png\")
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\nStep 2: Select a color scheme<\/h3>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/color-scheme-analogous.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/color-scheme-complementary.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/color-scheme-triad.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/color-scheme-compound.png\")
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\nStep 3: Design your site using your chosen colors<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/gustav-klimt-website.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/muv-interactive-website.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/mllj2j8xvfl0.i.optimole.com\/cb:c5QE.37290\/w:auto\/h:auto\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/mix-the-city-website.png\")
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\nColor schemes for websites FAQ \ud83d\ude4b<\/h2>\n
What is the 60 30 10 rule?<\/h3>\n
\nWhat is the best color harmony rule for websites?<\/h3>\n
\nWhat reason best explains why complementary colors are important to web page design?<\/h3>\n
\nHow do you use a color palette on a website?<\/h3>\n
\nWhat colors go well together on a website?<\/h3>\n
Final thoughts on color schemes for websites \ud83d\udcad<\/h2>\n
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