Learn how to use Adobe Color to create stunning color palettes! Explore the best features, from the color wheel to accessibility tools, for perfect designs.
1. Using the Color Wheel to Generate Palettes
The Color Wheel feature lets you create color schemes based on different harmony rules:
Steps:
- Go to Adobe Color and open the Color Wheel.
- Choose a color harmony rule from the dropdown (e.g., Analogous, Complementary, Triadic, Monochromatic).
- Adjust the color nodes on the wheel to fine-tune your selection.
- Copy the HEX, RGB, or CMYK codes for use in your design software.
✅ Best for: Graphic design, branding, and UI/UX projects.
2. Extracting a Color Palette from an Image
If you want to pull colors from an image, Adobe Color’s Extract Theme tool makes it easy.
Steps:
- Click on Extract Theme in Adobe Color.
- Upload an image (e.g., a photo, logo, or artwork).
- Adobe Color will generate a palette based on dominant hues.
- Choose a Color Mood (Bright, Muted, Deep, Dark, or Custom) to adjust the selection.
- Save the palette to your Adobe account or copy the color codes.
✅ Best for: Branding, photography, and inspiration-based design projects.
3. Creating Gradients with Adobe Color
Gradients add depth and visual appeal to designs. The Extract Gradient tool allows you to create smooth color transitions from an image or custom selection.
Steps:
- Select Extract Gradient in Adobe Color.
- Upload an image or select colors manually.
- Adjust the gradient stops for a custom blend.
- Save or export the gradient for use in Photoshop, Illustrator, or web design.
✅ Best for: Web backgrounds, UI design, and creative illustrations.
4. Checking Accessibility with Adobe Color
Ensuring that your color choices are accessible is crucial for UX and inclusivity. Adobe Color includes a Contrast Checker to evaluate color combinations.
Steps:
- Click on Accessibility Tools in Adobe Color.
- Enter your text and background colors.
- The tool will indicate if the contrast meets WCAG accessibility standards.
- Adjust colors if necessary to improve readability.
✅ Best for: Web and UI designers focused on accessibility.
Applying Adobe Color Palettes in Adobe Software
Once you’ve created a color palette, you can export and use it across Adobe apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and XD.
How to Save & Use Your Palette:
- Click Save in Adobe Color and add it to your Creative Cloud Library.
- Open Photoshop, Illustrator, or Adobe XD.
- Go to Libraries and access your saved palette.
- Apply the colors to your design elements easily.
✅ Best for: Seamless workflow across Adobe tools.
Also read : 2025 Color Trends: Hottest Palette Combinations for Modern Design
Conclusion
Adobe Color is an indispensable tool for designers, offering an intuitive way to create stunning color palettes with ease. Whether you’re using the Color Wheel, Extract Theme, or Gradient tools, this platform ensures that your color choices are harmonious and visually impactful.
Start using Adobe Color today to take your design projects to the next level!
Which feature of Adobe Color do you use the most? Let us know in the comments!