Monochromatic palette

One hue repeats from light to dark, making hue unity visible.

Visual traits

• One main hue
• Value variation
• Saturation variation

Expected changes

• The main hue is more likely to unify
• Tints and shades are more likely to support form

Definition

A monochromatic palette uses one hue as its basis and builds the image through differences in value and saturation. It does not include grayscale only, one flat color field, or complementary relationships.

In more detail

For example, using one blue hue from pale blue to deep blue can show form and depth while retaining hue unity. Neutrals may support it, but another dominant hue becomes a limited or multi-hue palette.

Includes

• Tints shades and saturation shifts of one main hue
• An image unified by one hue

Excludes

• Grayscale only
• Complementary opposition
• Many independent main hues

What this does not imply

• Grayscale
• A single flat color field
• A particular hue

Variability

Chosen hue and value range can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Keep one main hue

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify the hue separately

Typical uses

• Unify an image with one hue
• Show form and depth through tints and shades

Possible failure modes

• Another main hue increases
• Only achromatic values remain
• Lack of value variation becomes flat