What is a color triad?

A color triad is a set of three different colors on a color wheel that are an equal distance apart from each other. Color triads are often used in color schemes that require both contrast and balance.

Color schemes are heavily used in all types of design. Aside from triadic colors, there are also complimentary colors, achromatic colors and analogous colors. Complementary colors are sets of two colors that are opposite to each other on a color wheel. Complementary colors provide the highest contrast in a design. Achromatic colors are any colors that are neutral toned, such as white, black and gray. Finally, analogous colors are colors that are right next to each other on a color wheel.