Complementary colors

Two distant hues intensify each other, making color opposition clear.

Visual traits

• Opposite hues
• Clear color opposition
• Accent hue

Expected changes

• Color opposition is more likely to strengthen
• An accent hue is more likely to stand out

Definition

Complementary colors place two hues opposite each other on the color wheel to make their difference conspicuous. They are distinct from value-only separation and unity among nearby hues.

In more detail

Combinations such as blue and orange or red and green can make color opposition a focal point. One hue may serve as a small accent; equal area is not required. The palette does not determine emotion, medium, or lighting cause.

Includes

• Opposition between opposite hues
• A complementary relationship with one hue as accent

Excludes

• A palette of only nearby hues
• Contrast only in value
• Shades of one hue

What this does not imply

• High value contrast
• A particular pair of colors
• A particular emotion

Variability

Area ratio and saturation can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Contrast hues opposite on the color wheel

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify value contrast separately

Typical uses

• Make an accent hue vivid
• Make color opposition a focal point

Possible failure modes

• Only nearby hues remain
• One hue occupies the image
• Only value contrast remains