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Graphic Design vocabulary · Colour Theory

Colour wheel

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˈkʌlər ˌwiːl/nounCommon term

In graphic design, colour wheel means: A circle that shows colours in order around it, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, used to explain how colours relate and to build colour schemes.

In Turkish: renk çemberi, renk çarkı

How it is used

Used in colour theory classes and palette tools. Designers describe schemes by their position on the colour wheel: complementary (opposite), analogous (next to each other) or triadic (three at equal distances).

Example sentences

  1. Pick two colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel for a calm, harmonious look.

  2. In the first week of the course, students paint their own color wheel.

Common collocations

  • on the colour wheel
  • opposite on the colour wheel
  • analogous colours
  • triadic colour scheme
  • complementary coloursTwo colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. Side by side they create strong contrast and energy.
  • hueThe basic colour family of a colour, such as red, blue or green, without considering how light, dark or strong it is.
  • colour paletteThe limited set of colours chosen for a project or brand, usually with main colours, supporting colours and neutrals, so that all designs look consistent.
  • saturationHow strong or pure a colour is. High saturation gives bright, intense colours; low saturation makes colours look softer, greyer or more muted.

More terms: Colour Theory

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