Creating a visually engaging infographic starts with knowing how colors can work together to communicate your message. Colors do so much more than make things look nice—they guide attention, evoke emotions, and can even impact decision-making. For content creators, marketers, or small business owners looking to make a professional impression, learning a few basics of color theory can make your infographics resonate with your audience. In this section, we’ll break down why color theory is a game-changer for infographic design techniques, go over some core concepts, and show you how to apply color theory in ways that are easy and impactful.
When you’re putting an infographic together, it’s natural to zero in on the information you’re presenting. But if you want that information to stand out, choosing the right colors is just as important as the content itself. Here’s why color theory matters:
Whether you’re trying to create a calming educational infographic or an attention-grabbing visual for marketing, applying color theory can make all the difference in how effectively your infographic communicates.
Watch this video to learn more about color theory.
Now that we’ve covered why color is important, let’s get into how to use color theory to make better design choices. Even if you’re not a designer, a few basics can help you pick colors with confidence.
At the center of color theory is the color wheel, a tool that shows the relationships between colors. You’ve got your primary colors (red, blue, yellow), which form the foundation. Mix these, and you get secondary colors (green, orange, purple). Add in mixes of primary and secondary, and you’ve got tertiary colors to round out the wheel. Understanding the color wheel gives you a roadmap to creating cohesive color schemes for your infographics.
Several classic color schemes can make your infographic feel balanced and visually appealing:
By picking the right color scheme, you ensure that each part of your infographic contributes to a cohesive design that draws in your audience without overwhelming them.
Colors can evoke specific emotions, and understanding this psychology adds another layer to your infographic’s effectiveness. Different colors have different associations, so aligning your palette with your message helps create a stronger connection with your audience. Here are a few popular colors and what they tend to convey:
When designing your infographic, think about the message you want to communicate and choose colors that enhance that message. This approach makes your content more memorable and relatable.
Here are a few practical tips on using these color principles to create easy-to-use infographic color palettes:
Using color theory doesn’t mean you need to be a designer. With these basic principles, you can make choices that elevate your infographics without spending hours on color selection.
By following these color theory fundamentals, you’ll be able to create an infographic color palette that not only looks professional but also enhances your message. In the next section, we’ll dive into practical steps for choosing colors that suit your specific content, keep your target audience engaged, and achieve a polished look that aligns with your goals.
Selecting the perfect colors for your infographic is more than just picking shades that look appealing. It’s about making thoughtful choices that reinforce your message, fit your brand, and engage your audience effectively. In this section, we’ll walk through key factors to consider when choosing colors, explore how to align them with your infographic’s purpose, and share tips for selecting the best background combinations for readability.
Choosing colors for an infographic isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s also about creating harmony with your brand, audience, and topic. Here are some essential factors to consider to ensure your color choices enhance your infographic’s purpose.
Start by incorporating your brand’s colors, especially if your infographic is part of a larger content strategy. Consistency with brand colors builds trust and strengthens your brand identity, making it easier for viewers to recognize your content. Use your primary brand color as the base, then build the rest of the palette around it to keep a unified look.
If your brand has a limited color scheme, you can start with a neutral base (like white, gray, or navy) and add one or two accent colors that capture the essence of your brand. If you’re making multiple infographics, try experimenting with different accent colors for variety while maintaining the core brand look.
Your audience’s preferences play a big role in color selection. Colors have psychological associations that impact how different demographics respond to your content:
The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to choose colors that truly connect with them.
The theme and topic of your infographic should also shape your color choices. Different topics lend themselves to different moods, and colors help convey these moods. For example:
Aligning your color choices with the theme of your infographic helps set the right tone and keeps viewers engaged with the content.
Different colors can serve distinct purposes within an infographic. Understanding how colors interact will guide you in choosing combinations that enhance your content. Here are a few general guidelines:
Here are some practical dos and don’ts to keep in mind for selecting colors in your infographic:
Your background color plays a crucial role in setting the stage for your infographic. A well-chosen background enhances readability, provides contrast, and helps your message stand out. Here are some popular background styles and tips on how to use them effectively.
Light backgrounds are a reliable choice for most infographics. They provide a clean, simple backdrop that keeps the focus on the content itself. Light colors like white, light gray, or beige work well because they don’t compete with the main content. Light backgrounds are especially effective for text-heavy infographics, where readability is key.
Best for: Text-heavy infographics, educational content, and professional topics.
Example Combination: White background with navy text and gold accents. This combination looks professional and visually appealing, perfect for corporate or educational infographics.
Dark backgrounds add a dramatic flair and can help specific elements pop. They’re great for infographics with minimal text or where you want to highlight graphics or data points. Dark backgrounds, like navy, charcoal, or black, work especially well with lighter text and bright accents.
Best for: Data-driven infographics, tech or entertainment content, and infographics where visuals are the focus.
Example Combination: Dark charcoal background with white text and teal accents. This pairing adds sophistication and makes key data points stand out.
Gradients add depth and interest to an infographic without distracting from the content. They can range from subtle color shifts to vibrant transitions. Gradients work well with both light and dark schemes, depending on the tone you want to set. For a modern feel, try gradients that blend shades of the same color.
Best for: Modern, creative topics, and infographics where you want a dynamic, eye-catching look.
Example Combination: Soft blue gradient transitioning from light blue to teal, with dark navy text. This combo has a fresh, contemporary vibe that’s great for creative content.
Patterns can bring texture and personality to your infographic but should be used thoughtfully. Simple, subtle patterns like light grids, dots, or soft geometric shapes add visual interest without overwhelming the content. Avoid patterns that are too busy or colorful, as they can distract from the main message.
Best for: Creative or artistic infographics, especially those with minimal text where a touch of texture enhances the design.
Example Combination: Light beige background with a subtle diagonal stripe pattern, navy text, and burnt orange accents. This look has a unique, polished feel that suits creative or lifestyle topics.
To ensure your background color enhances your infographic rather than detracts from it, keep these tips in mind:
By carefully selecting background colors and prioritizing readability, you can create infographics that are easy to follow and visually engaging. In the next section, we’ll explore 30 inspiring color palettes specifically crafted for infographics. With these options and the guidance in Sections 1 and 2, choosing the right colors for your project will be simpler and more impactful.
Picking colors for infographics doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Easy-to-use, pre-made color palettes simplify the process and give your designs a polished, professional touch—no design expertise required. In this section, we’ll explain why pre-made palettes are so handy, how to customize them to suit your needs, and some popular resources for finding just the right colors for your next infographic.
If you’re a content creator, marketer, or small business owner without a background in design, pre-made color palettes are a game-changer. Here’s why they work so well:
Customizing a pre-made palette to fit your infographic is simple. Try adjusting the brightness or saturation of colors to match the mood of your content. For instance, you can tone down colors for educational infographics or add brightness for more dynamic topics. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some easy-to-use palette types that work well across different infographic styles:
There are plenty of online tools that make it easy to select or customize infographic color palettes. These resources let you experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect fit:
Using these tools takes the guesswork out of color selection, helping you create infographics that look professional and visually appealing. Whether you’re using pre-made palettes or building your own, these resources make it easy to find colors that elevate your visual content.
In the next section, we’ll showcase 30 inspiring color palettes designed specifically for infographics, covering a range of themes and styles to suit any project.
Finding the right color palette can be a challenge, especially if you’re not a designer. To make things easier, we’ve curated 30 inspiring color palettes specifically for infographics. These palettes cover a range of themes, moods, and styles, making it simple to find one that suits your content. Whether you’re creating an educational infographic, a marketing visual, or a social media post, these color combinations will help you make a professional and visually appealing impression.
Inspired by the natural beauty of canyon formations, this palette combines rich earthy tones with a refreshing sky blue. The contrast between warm oranges and cool blue provides depth, making it ideal for designs needing a balance between warmth and freshness. These colors can work beautifully in travel or outdoor-themed graphics, enhancing visual interest while remaining accessible.
This palette captures the serene beauty of a mountain at sunrise, with earthy browns and muted blues balanced by a gentle sky tone. Ideal for nature-themed branding, these colors evoke calm and resilience. The mix of darker and lighter shades allows for clear visual hierarchy, making this palette versatile for designs where readability and accessibility are key.
This cool, winter-inspired palette reflects the quiet elegance of a snowy forest. Deep blues and frosty whites create a serene, calming effect, ideal for nature or winter-themed designs. The balance of light and dark shades ensures strong contrast, which can help with readability and accessibility in infographic layouts.
Inspired by the serene beauty of a desert twilight, this palette combines soft pinks and deep blues with earthy browns, reflecting the harmony between sky and sand. Perfect for branding that aims to evoke calm yet bold vibes, these colors can add a touch of tranquility and depth to visual storytelling. The warm and cool tones provide a balanced look, suitable for lifestyle or travel-themed content.
This calming palette captures the serene blues and greens of a misty lake. The deep and muted shades are ideal for projects evoking tranquility and introspection, such as wellness or meditation brands. The blend of cool tones provides a cohesive look that emphasizes relaxation and peacefulness.
A soothing mix of purples and blues, this palette is inspired by twilight over serene waters. Ideal for luxury or wellness branding, the soft, elegant shades evoke relaxation and sophistication, making it suitable for designs focused on calm and beauty.
Inspired by rolling green hills, this palette combines deep and vibrant greens for a refreshing, natural look. Perfect for agricultural or environmental projects, the palette captures the essence of lush landscapes and growth, making it ideal for sustainability-focused branding.
This lush palette draws from the vibrant greens and earthy tones of a valley at sunset. Ideal for eco-friendly or adventure brands, the mix of greens with a touch of blue adds freshness, symbolizing growth and renewal. Perfect for visuals aimed at inspiring outdoor exploration.
The warm and sandy tones in this palette reflect the beauty of desert landscapes. These colors are great for brands looking to convey warmth and subtle energy. This palette can be used in travel or wellness infographics to evoke a sense of calm and exploration.
Inspired by highland terrains bathed in golden light, this palette blends warm golds and deep browns, perfect for rustic or outdoor-themed projects. The rich, earthy tones give a grounded feel, making it ideal for eco-friendly branding or natural product packaging.
Inspired by fresh herbs and natural textures, this palette combines cool greens and earthy neutrals. Ideal for wellness, organic, or eco-friendly branding, these shades evoke a sense of freshness and health, making them perfect for visuals focused on nature and sustainability.
Bright and playful, this palette captures the vibrant colors of a tropical brunch setting. The warm pink and yellow evoke a fun, energetic feel, perfect for food or lifestyle brands that aim to capture a cheerful atmosphere. This palette is ideal for designs needing a lively touch.
This warm, earthy palette draws inspiration from the natural hues of garlic bulbs. Perfect for brands focused on organic, artisanal, or culinary themes, these tones evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. The muted browns and beiges make this palette versatile for food-related infographics and branding.
Inspired by the soft, muted hues of fresh eggs in a carton, this palette evokes a rustic, organic feel. The gentle grays and greens are ideal for brands that emphasize simplicity and natural ingredients, making this a great choice for minimalist, farm-to-table branding.
With warm, inviting tones inspired by freshly baked donuts, this palette blends soft beiges and browns. Ideal for artisan bakeries or cozy brands, these colors create a comforting, nostalgic feel, making it a great fit for branding that celebrates homemade or crafted products.
This palette captures the rich colors of a fresh garden harvest with earthy greens and vibrant reds. Perfect for culinary brands, it adds a touch of freshness and vitality, ideal for conveying the essence of organic ingredients and farm-to-table concepts.
Inspired by a fresh vineyard, this palette captures the transition of grape colors from green to purple. With vibrant and earthy greens, it's ideal for brands that emphasize natural, fresh, or organic themes. Great for adding a lively, fertile feel to any project.
Drawing from the deep purples and cool grays of freshly picked grapes, this palette adds a sophisticated, earthy touch. Perfect for wine or luxury brands, the combination of cool and warm tones gives a refined yet organic feel.
With warm greens and soft browns, this palette brings the cozy feel of an apple orchard to life. Ideal for earthy and nature-inspired brands, the colors provide a grounded, wholesome look, perfect for agricultural and sustainable themes.
This rich palette combines deep oranges and greens, reminiscent of a rustic citrus display. Perfect for artisanal food brands or designs that evoke warmth and richness, these colors add a sense of handcrafted quality and natural charm.
This palette captures the fluid and mysterious vibes of deep ocean waves with touches of twilight sky. The rich purples and deep blues evoke a sense of calm, while the pop of lighter blue adds freshness. Perfect for tech brands aiming for a modern, approachable look or for infographics focused on innovation, as the combination balances boldness with serenity.
Vibrant and edgy, this palette mixes bold pinks and purples with dark undertones, capturing a sense of urban nightlife or modern pop art. Perfect for brands that want to stand out and make a strong impression, it’s great for youth-focused marketing or infographics that aim to grab attention with bold visuals. The contrasting tones add depth and dynamism.
Inspired by natural foliage and earthy shades, this palette combines muted greens and browns to evoke a grounded, organic feel. Ideal for eco-friendly brands or infographics on sustainability, the colors harmonize well and provide a sense of stability. Use it to create a warm, natural aesthetic that resonates with environmental themes.
This bold and warm palette takes inspiration from a vibrant sunset, with intense reds, oranges, and pinks. Ideal for fashion, beauty, or any brand looking to make a powerful statement, the contrast between dark and bright colors creates a dynamic energy. Great for infographics where you want to highlight key points or add a warm, engaging feel.
Soft and airy, this palette brings a calm and tranquil atmosphere, reminiscent of a cloudy sky. The subtle gradations of light gray and blue hues make it ideal for minimalistic design, branding for wellness or lifestyle, or backgrounds in infographics where clarity and cleanliness are key. It’s versatile and understated, perfect for conveying simplicity and calm.
Inspired by the bold architecture of urban facades, this palette combines vibrant reds and deep blues with a solid black. Ideal for designs that aim to stand out, the colors evoke a sense of edgy modernism. Use the darker shades to add depth and structure, while the brighter tones bring in an unexpected pop of color.
Rich purples and deep blues give this palette a luxurious, velvety feel. Perfect for designs aiming for elegance or mystery, these colors create a sense of depth. Combine with metallic accents for a refined, high-end look.
A gentle blend of lavender and gray tones, this palette is serene and elegant. It works well in calming designs or for creating a sophisticated aesthetic. Use the lighter colors as backgrounds, while the darker tones add subtle contrast.
Inspired by the calmness of dawn, this palette captures soft beiges and light blues with warm golden tones. Ideal for soothing, minimalist designs, it’s perfect for backgrounds or branding that requires a calm and inviting appeal.
This palette channels the warmth of a tropical sunset with a blend of olive green, deep blue, and vibrant red. Perfect for projects needing a warm, organic feel, the colors offer a lively contrast. Pair the greens with the reds for a lush, balanced design.
Creating an infographic that truly resonates with your audience goes beyond just picking a few colors. This section provides key design tips to help you optimize your color choices for accessibility, balance vibrant and neutral tones, and refine your design through testing and feedback.
When designing infographics, accessibility is a crucial factor to consider. Ensuring that your color choices are readable for all audiences, including those with color vision deficiencies, will help your content reach a wider audience. Here are a few ways to make your infographic colors more accessible:
Optimizing for accessibility not only broadens your infographic’s audience but also strengthens its clarity and effectiveness. When your design is easy to interpret, it becomes more impactful and memorable.
A well-designed infographic balances vibrant colors with neutral tones, creating a professional and visually appealing look. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance:
A balanced use of color enhances readability and helps convey information more effectively, ensuring that each element of your infographic works together harmoniously.
No matter how skilled you are at designing infographics, testing your color choices and gathering feedback is essential. This step allows you to catch any potential issues and make adjustments to ensure your design communicates as intended.
Incorporating feedback and testing your design ensures that your infographic not only looks appealing but also communicates your message clearly. With these additional design tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to create impactful, accessible, and visually balanced infographics that leave a lasting impression on your audience.
By following these best practices, you’ll be able to make thoughtful color choices that not only enhance your infographics but also improve your overall content strategy.
Try these features to transform your content into engaging visuals: