How do yall choose what colors to use and where to use them? What tools do you use to help make these decision?

My question is what techniques and tools do you use to help you come up with and implement a color scheme.

It all depends on the site subject, proposed use and the audience who are going to use it.

On the sites I do usually have pictures in them, I take colors from the pictures and use them for everything else.

Chris that doesn't really answer my question.

That's because there is no definitive answer to your question, it's subjective.

That's why a good designer is worth double what a programmer is.

For example:

If your site is about bridal wear; You don't use dark colours.
If your site is about kids toys; You maybe wouldn't want muted or pastel colours.
If your site sells "Grannie hats"; Very bright colours are not a good idea.

There is no hard and fast rules on what colours to use. There are "rules" and recommendations on complimentary colours or contrasting colours. There are also tools to help you pick combinations of colours.

Originally Posted by chrishirst

That's because there is no definitive answer to your question

My question is what techniques and tools do you use to help you come up with and implement a color scheme. How could there not be a definitive answer to this question?

I could have worded my question better, sorry. I've edited my original post.

I guess You're not a designer then

There cannot be a definitive answer to something with so many variables.

The colours that look right on a fixed width layout may be overpowering on a site that is full width.
As I said above; the purpose of the site will have a bearing on the colour scheme.

One designer may prefer colour scheme "A" another will suggest scheme "B", the audience it is aimed at will have a bearing, it is is for a colour blindness site then you will be limited to certain colour ranges.

To say you should use "X" or "Y" colours all the time and for every occasion would simply be incorrect.

You are correct. There are countless number of things to take into account with designing a site.

I think you are misreading my question. (No doubt the fault is my own.)
You said:

There are also tools to help you pick combinations of colours.

My question is, what are some of those tools?

Yes, my question can be answered in any number of ways. That is why I asked "What do you use?" Seeking answers based on personal experience and personal preference.

I am learning to make website, on my own, and have a firm understanding of HTML and CSS with a basic familiarity with PHP and javascript. I do lack an artistic touch. That is what I am asking my question and looking for help.

http://www.colormatters.com/

http://www.colorcombos.com/
http://www.hypergurl.com/colormatch.php
http://www.webdevelopersnotes.com/de...binations.php3

just to start with

or you can just take colors from your pictures. Like I said. haha

thanks chris. The information on those sites will be a big help. Sorry about wording my question so poorly.

Bdg, That is a good idea if only I knew what colors to use where.

You might also want to look at KULER from Adobe - http://kuler.adobe.com

Just been talking to my son who is a designer and he uses http://colortoy.net/

Originally Posted by wachtn

Bdg, That is a good idea if only I knew what colors to use where.

just play around with all color options until you find one that best fits your needs.

Originally Posted by bdg1115

just play around with all color options until you find one that best fits your needs.

lol, I doubt I will live long enough to try out ever possible combination of the 16777216 (256^3) colors.

a list of stuff here too
http://www.frontpagewebmaster.com/m-.../tm.htm#346552

common sense and an eye for design

Dave, great link! thanks

why make this so hard? Get the firefox plugin colorzilla, and away you go! It tells alot of tall tales as they say...

If you want a site for males you a dark shade of any color or a light shade of a color for female viewing sites.

Naturally, you can pick a color by closing your eyes and pointing your mouse on the color picker. That's a good idea, really. Odds are better than winning the lottery and yep, you will get visitors no matter anyone says. Maybe no repeat visitors, but visitors.

I think the color of your website should be eye catching.Try this

http://www.createafreewebsite.net/html-color-tool.html
http://www.colorschemer.com/schemes/
http://websitetips.com/colortools/sitepro/
http://kuler.adobe.com/#themes/rating?time=30

Kalpana