# How to use Compass color helper functions

Here we’ll look into the Color Helpers.

## Basic usage

Helpers are not mixins. This, of course, won't work:

```scss
@include adjust-lightness($color, $amount);
```

But they’re used like this:

```scss
.module {
  // This will darken the red a bit
  color: adjust-lightness(red, -20);
}
```

When it comes to color, you got the following Helpers at your disposal.

- `adjust-lightness($color, $amount)`
- `adjust-saturation($color, $amount)`
- `scale-lightness($color, $amount)`
- `scale-saturation($color, $amount)`
- `shade($color, $percentage)`
- `tint($color, $percentage)`

[Compass documentation](http://compass-style.org/reference/compass/helpers/colors/)

## Making a color scheme

Making color pallets for websites comes much easier with these Helpers. Take a
look at the code in the demo below.

[CodePen](https://codepen.io/hilja/pen/eJHbu)