What is Color Theory?
Color theory is a set of rules for effective use of colors in design. Basics: Color wheel (primary, secondary, tertiary colors), Color harmonies (complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary), Color temperature (warm/cold), Color psychology (Blue = trust, Red = energy, Green = nature). For web design: 60-30-10 rule (60% main color, 30% secondary, 10% accent), Contrast ratio for accessibility (min 4.5:1 for text), CTA button colors should stand out. Tools: Coolors, Adobe Color, Contrast Checker. Consider cultural differences: White means mourning in Asia, not purity.
Key Points
- Understand color wheel and harmonies
- 60-30-10 rule for balance
- Color psychology: Blue=trust, Red=energy
- Accessibility: min 4.5:1 contrast
- Consider cultural differences
- Tools: Coolors, Adobe Color
Practical Example
“The 60-30-10 rule: 60% white, 30% navy blue, 10% neon yellow for our CTA buttons.”