Color Fundamentals
Learn the basics of color, color models, and color properties
Introduction
Understanding color fundamentals is the foundation for working with design. Colors can be classified by various characteristics: by model, temperature, and properties.
Color Models
There are different color models, each used for different purposes:
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Additive model for screens and digital devices. Used in web design and digital graphics.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key)
Subtractive model for printing. Used in printing and print design.
Color Wheel
The color wheel is a tool for understanding relationships between colors. Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) are evenly spaced around the circle, with secondary and tertiary colors between them.
Color Temperature
Colors are divided into warm and cool based on their visual perception:
Warm Colors
Red, orange, yellow — create a sense of warmth, energy, and activity.
Cool Colors
Blue, green, purple — create a sense of coolness, calm, and stability.
Color Properties
Each color has three main properties:
- Hue — the color itself (red, blue, etc.)
- Saturation — the intensity of the color
- Brightness/Lightness — the lightness or darkness of the color