Reference
Color Theory
Master color theory to create visually appealing, accessible, and effective digital interfaces.
In this collection
About
Master color theory to create visually appealing, accessible, and effective digital interfaces.
Contents
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| 01-fundamentals.md | How color works - light, perception, and basic terminology |
| 02-color-models.md | RGB, HEX, HSL, and when to use each in web development |
| 03-color-wheel.md | The color wheel, primary/secondary/tertiary colors, warm vs cool |
| 04-color-harmony.md | Complementary, analogous, triadic, and other harmony schemes |
| 05-color-psychology.md | Emotional impact, cultural meanings, and brand associations |
| 06-contrast-accessibility.md | WCAG guidelines, contrast ratios, and inclusive design |
| 07-color-in-ui.md | Applying color to UI elements, hierarchy, and states |
| 08-building-palettes.md | Creating cohesive color systems for projects |
| 09-dark-mode.md | Designing effective dark themes |
| 10-tools-reference.md | Essential tools and quick reference |
Prerequisites
- Basic familiarity with CSS (knowing what
colorandbackground-colordo) - Access to a design tool (Figma, Sketch) or browser dev tools
Quick Start
If you're in a hurry:
- Read 02-color-models.md to understand HSL (the most intuitive model)
- Read 06-contrast-accessibility.md for accessibility essentials
- Read 08-building-palettes.md to create your first palette
Key Takeaways
After completing this course, you'll be able to:
- Choose colors with intention rather than guesswork
- Create accessible color combinations that pass WCAG standards
- Build cohesive color palettes for any project
- Design effective dark mode interfaces
- Communicate color decisions to stakeholders with confidence