Farbschema

A Farbschema, or color scheme, is a deliberate selection and arrangement of colors used in a design to create visual harmony, convey mood, and support readability. It is informed by color theory and aims to ensure that colors work well together across different media and contexts.

Common types of Farbschema include monochromatic schemes, which use variations of a single hue; analogous schemes, which combine neighboring colors on the color wheel for harmony; complementary schemes, which pair colors opposite each other for strong contrast; split-complementary and triadic schemes, which balance contrast and unity with multiple hues; and tetradic or square schemes, which use four colors arranged on the wheel to create vibrant palettes while maintaining balance.

In practice, Farbschema guide branding, user interfaces, print, and data visualization. A good scheme supports accessibility by ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background for readability, including considerations for color blindness. It also aligns with the intended mood or identity of a product, and should remain coherent when used in different environments, such as dark or light modes, or on various devices.

Creating a Farbschema typically begins with selecting a base color, then generating harmonies through the color wheel and color models (RGB, CMYK, HSL). Designers often add neutral or accent colors to provide balance and emphasis, test the palette for accessibility, and document rules for its consistent application across assets.