Every Microsoft Publisher publication is automatically associated with a defined set of colors called a standard color scheme. You can switch to another scheme, or even create and save a custom scheme, by clicking Color Schemes on the Format menu.
A scheme color is one of the colors defined in a color scheme. You can change one or more colors in a scheme by creating a modified custom scheme. The colors associated with each standard and custom scheme appear when you click Color Schemes on the Format menu.
What are tints, shades, patterns, and gradients?
A tint is a color mixed with white: a 10-percent tint is one part of the original color and nine parts white.
A shade is a color mixed with black: a 10-percent shade is one part of the original color and nine parts black.
Tints and shades can be used as colors in a custom color scheme.
A pattern is a simple repeating design, such as vertical or horizontal lines.
If you plan to print your publication at a commercial printing service, it's best not to use patterns in your publication's design. Patterns can slow down the time it takes to image the file to film, which can result in higher costs.
A gradient uses tints or shades of one or more colors to create a special pattern of increasing shading.
You can create a gradient or pattern from scheme colors, but you cannot use them as part of a color scheme.