Create a Split-Complementary Color Palette Generate split-complementary palettes with adjustable split angle.

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Split-Complementary Scheme

Generate split-complementary palettes with adjustable split angle.

Choose Base Color

Select your starting color.

Adjust Split Angle

Control how far the split colors deviate from the direct complement.

Copy Palette

Copy the three-color palette.

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What Is Split-Complementary Scheme?

A split-complementary color scheme takes the standard complementary approach (180° opposite) and splits the complement into two colors equidistant from that opposite point. Instead of using the color directly across the wheel, you use the two colors flanking it. This creates a three-color palette that maintains strong contrast but with less visual tension than a pure complementary scheme. The adjustable split angle (10–60°) lets you control how far apart the two split colors are from the complement point — smaller angles produce subtler splits closer to complementary, while larger angles create wider, more varied palettes. Split-complementary is often recommended as a beginner-friendly alternative to complementary schemes because it is harder to mess up while still providing rich color contrast.

Why Use Split-Complementary Scheme?

Strong contrast with less tension than pure complementary
Adjustable split angle for fine-tuning the palette
Easier to use than complementary while maintaining visual impact
Three colors that naturally suggest primary, secondary, and accent roles
Popular in both print and digital design for balanced contrast

Common Use Cases

Web Design

Create engaging website color schemes with contrast and variety without the tension of pure complementary.

Brand Identity

Build three-color brand palettes that feel dynamic yet harmonious.

Presentation Design

Use split-complementary colors for slides that are visually engaging without being overwhelming.

Interior Design

Plan room palettes with one main color and two split-complementary accents.

Technical Guide

Given base hue H and split angle A, the split-complementary scheme produces colors at hues: H (base), (H + 180 - A) mod 360, and (H + 180 + A) mod 360. The default angle A=30° creates colors at ±30° from the complement. This arrangement forms an isosceles triangle on the color wheel. Compared to pure complementary (a straight line across the wheel), split-complementary provides more variety while maintaining strong contrast. The split angle effectively controls the palette's character: at A=0° it degenerates to complementary; at A=60° the two split colors are 120° from the complement (forming a near-triadic arrangement). The sweet spot for most designs is 20-40°, which preserves the complementary energy while softening the direct opposition.

Tips & Best Practices

1
Start with a 30° split angle — it works well for most designs
2
Use the base color as dominant and the two split colors as supporting accents
3
Split-complementary is ideal for beginners — it is harder to create clashing combinations
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Smaller split angles (10–20°) feel closer to complementary; larger (40–60°) feel more diverse
5
Try muting the two split colors to let the base color take center stage

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is a split-complementary scheme?

Instead of using the direct complement (180° opposite), it uses two colors flanking the complement. This maintains contrast while reducing the intensity of pure complementary opposition.

Q What split angle should I use?

The default 30° works well for most purposes. Use 10-20° for subtle splits, 30-40° for balanced palettes, and 50-60° for maximum variety while maintaining the split-complement structure.

Q Is split-complementary better than complementary?

Neither is better — they serve different purposes. Split-complementary is more forgiving and offers more variety with three colors. Pure complementary provides maximum two-color contrast.

About This Tool

Split-Complementary Scheme is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.