bikolor

Bikolor is a color scheme that uses two distinct colors. The term is used across art, design, heraldry, and vexillology to describe simple, high-contrast compositions, such as two solid fields, stripes, or other geometric arrangements. Spelling varies by language: English often uses bicolor or bicolour, while bikolor is found in Turkish and some other languages.

In flags and heraldry, bikolor designs emphasize legibility and ease of manufacture. Two-color flags are among the oldest and most recognizable banners. Common examples include the white-over-red flag of Poland, the blue-over-yellow flag of Ukraine, and the red-over-white flags of Indonesia and Monaco.

In printing and photography, two-color or duotone processes reproduce images with only two inks or tones, producing strong contrast at lower cost and with simpler production. In modern digital design, bikolor palettes are used for brand identities and user interfaces to maximize recognizability and legibility, especially at small sizes or on limited-color displays.

Design considerations for bikolor schemes include ensuring sufficient contrast for readability, avoiding unintended cultural color associations, and maintaining consistency across media. While symmetrical two-color designs are common, variations may incorporate tints or shades of the base colors to create additional nuance while preserving the two-color core.