Duotone colors is a visual technique that uses only two colors (or tones) to create an image with impact and contrast.
The term comes from the English word duotone, which literally means “two tones.” It originated in the world of print, especially in graphic design and photography. Before full-color printing was common, designers used this method to add style and depth to images using just two inks.
Instead of a black-and-white or full-color photo, picture an image made only with blue and red, or black and gold. Those two colors blend to shape the forms, shadows, and details — creating a unique aesthetic. Today, duotone is widely used in branding, social media, and album covers because it gives off a modern, artistic, and highly visual vibe.
What tools can help you apply duotone colors?
Tools like Photoshop and Canva let you apply duotone effects with just a few clicks. And even though it may feel retro, it’s a strong trend in digital design because it simplifies the image and makes it memorable. It’s a technique that screams “less is more.”
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