What are semantic colors in UI?
Semantic colors are labeled by purpose—not by appearance.
Examples:
Success = green (✓)
Error = red (✕)
Warning = yellow/orange
Info = blue
They're used in buttons, alerts, and states to create clarity and consistency—regardless of theme or platform.
Semantic color tokens are key in scalable design systems. See how they're used effectively in our post on scaling color systems.
Similar questions
How do I fix bad color contrast?
How do I pick text colors that are easy to read?
What is saturation in color design?
What is color theory in UI design?
What does HSL mean in color settings?
What is the difference between RGB and HEX?
Should I use gradients in UI?
How do I test if my colors are accessible?
What is color psychology in UI?
What is a neutral color palette?
What are cool and warm colors in design?
What are secondary and accent colors?
What is a primary color in a UI design?
What is color contrast and why is it important?
What is the 3 color rule in UI design?
How do I apply the 3-color rule effectively?
What is the 60-30-10 rule in color design?
Does the 3-color rule apply in other design fields?
What makes a great UI color palette?