Split-Complementary Color Scheme Online — Free
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Split-complementary takes the contrast of a complement but softens the tension: instead of the single opposite hue, you take the two hues on either side of it. The result keeps strong contrast with far less risk of clashing — a favorite for landing pages and dashboards. Enter a base and copy the three hex values.
How it works
- 1
Paste a base color
Enter any HEX, RGB, or HSL value — it anchors the scheme.
- 2
Read the scheme
Three swatches appear: the base and the two hues 150° and 210° around.
- 3
Copy each color
One click copies any swatch hex value to your clipboard.
About this tool
How the split is built
The tool finds your color's exact complement — 180 degrees around the wheel — then splits it: instead of one opposite, you get the two colors flanking it at 30 degrees on either side. Your base stays as the anchor; the pair provides contrast with less tension.
When to reach for it
Split-complementary is the designer's compromise: real contrast like a complementary pair, but with two accent options instead of one and none of the vibration. It suits websites that need an accent and a secondary accent, illustrations, and anyone who finds pure complements too aggressive.
Using the three colors
Let the base dominate surfaces, and distribute the two split accents across actions, highlights, and illustration. Because the accents neighbor each other on the wheel, they cooperate — pick between them freely, or soften either with the saturation tool.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose split-complementary over complementary?
You get the same strong contrast against the base but two usable accents instead of one, and the accents never vibrate against each other. It is the most forgiving high-contrast scheme in practice.
What does the 30-degree split mean?
The complement sits 180 degrees from your color; the split members sit 150 and 210 degrees. Each is 30 degrees off the exact opposite — enough to soften the clash while keeping the tension.
Can I use both split accents together?
Yes — they harmonize with each other since they are wheel-neighbors. Base-dominant designs commonly use one accent for interactive elements and the other for decorative touches.