Branding
Brand Colour Palette Guide for Beginners
By Kavin P · · 1 min read
This brand colour palette guide shows how to choose colours that fit your brand and stay readable.
Start with meaning
Colours create feelings. Blue often suggests trust, green growth, red energy and black sophistication. Cultural meanings vary, so consider your audience.
Build a simple palette
- One primary colour: the main brand colour
- One or two secondary colours: for accents and variety
- Neutrals: white, off-white, grey or black for text and backgrounds
Check contrast
Text must be easy to read. Use a contrast checker so body text and buttons meet accessibility guidelines.
Test in real use
View colours on a website, social post, packaging and print. Colours look different on screens and paper.
Document the values
Record HEX, RGB and, if you print, CMYK values. Note which colour is used for what.
Use colour consistently
Repeat the same palette across your website, social media and documents. Consistency builds recognition.
Avoid too many colours
More than four or five main colours makes a brand feel busy.
Example approach
A soft neutral background, a strong accent colour for buttons and a dark colour for text creates clarity.
See how palettes appear in my branding work or read brand identity basics for startups.
Frequently asked questions
How many colours should a brand have?
A primary colour, one or two secondary colours and neutrals is enough.
What are HEX and RGB values?
They are ways to define screen colours exactly so they stay consistent.
How do I check contrast?
Use a free contrast checker to confirm text is readable against its background.
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