Primary color

Colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors

For the album by The Primary Colors, see Primary Colors (album).

Primary colors are sets of colors that can be combined to make a useful range of colors. For human applications, three primary colors are usually used, since human color vision is trichromatic. The primary colors are typically red, blue, and yellow in the subtractive color system, and red, green, and blue in the additive color system.

Additive primary colors

The additive color system involves light emitted directly from a source or illuminant of some sort. The most common additive primary colors are red, green, and blue. This system is used in devices such as televisions and computer monitors. When the primary colors of light are combined, they create secondary colors: cyan, magenta, and yellow. Combining all three primary colors of light produces white.

Subtractive primary colors

The subtractive color system involves the mixing of pigments, dyes, or inks. The primary colors in this system are typically red, blue, and yellow. This system is used in painting and color printing. When the primary colors of pigment are combined, they create secondary colors: green, orange, and purple. Combining all three primary colors of pigment produces black or a very dark brown.

Historical context

The concept of primary colors has been recognized since at least the 17th century. Isaac Newton identified the primary colors of light as red, green, and blue. The subtractive primary colors were later identified by artists and scientists such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Michel Eugène Chevreul.

Applications

Primary colors are fundamental in various fields, including art, design, photography, and television. Understanding primary colors is essential for color theory, which is used to create harmonious and visually appealing color combinations.

See also

• Color theory
• Color wheel
• Secondary color
• Tertiary color
• Complementary color
• RGB color model
• CMYK color model