Working with color on the Web, as opposed to the print world, can be tricky because surfers use different computers, platforms, browsers, and monitors. There are extra considerations and limitations in terms of palette, technique and style. But many of the basic design tenets of using color in other media apply to Web work as well. So we will cover both fundamental design considerations and special Web tweaks, using an example site to illustrate the principles. Neon or primary colors tend to evoke action and excitement, and convey a younger, hipper, more casual message than, say, a more subtle and traditional color scheme.
Pastels give the viewer a gentler feel, while earth tones are great for a homey, inviting mood.
To see how colors look together, you can download a nifty little free utility called the RGB color box . Only use colors not in this palette if you are sure your viewers are using high-end monitors at 24 million colors, or are prepared for some unpleasant surprises at lower resolutions, when the browser attempts to find the closest match. If so, then use them. In HTML, you use hexadecimal values to describe colors. Most graphics programs will show you the hex codes for your colors, and don't forget you can just use the nvalue.gif to look them up.