Elements of Color Theory

Color Theory

Hue

• Refers to the actual color (e.g. red, blue, yellow)
• Hue is the color in its pure form, without any addition of black or white
• Hue is often referred to as the "color name" (e.g. red, blue, green)

Saturation

• Refers to the purity or intensity of a color
• A highly saturated color is bright and vibrant, while a less saturated color is dull and washed out
• Saturation can be adjusted by adding grey or white to a color

Shade

• A darker version of a color, created by adding black to the hue
• Shades are often used to add depth and dimension to a design
• A shade can be created by mixing a color with black

Tone

• A version of a color created by adding grey to the hue
• Tones are often used to add subtlety and nuance to a design
• A tone can be created by mixing a color with grey

Grey Scale

• A range of neutral colors, from pure black to pure white
• Grey scale is often used to create a neutral background or to add balance to a design
• Grey scale can be used to create a sense of harmony and calm in a design

Color Theory

Hue

• Hue refers to the actual color, e.g. red, blue, yellow
• Hue is the color in its pure form, without any addition of black or white
• Hue is often referred to as the "color name"

Saturation

• Saturation refers to the purity or intensity of a color
• Highly saturated colors are bright and vibrant, while less saturated colors are dull and washed out
• Adding grey or white to a color can adjust its saturation

Shade

• A shade is a darker version of a color, created by adding black to the hue
• Shades are used to add depth and dimension to a design
• Mixing a color with black creates a shade

Tone

• A tone is a version of a color created by adding grey to the hue
• Tones are used to add subtlety and nuance to a design
• Mixing a color with grey creates a tone

Grey Scale

• Grey scale is a range of neutral colors, from pure black to pure white
• Grey scale is used to create a neutral background or add balance to a design
• Grey scale creates a sense of harmony and calm in a design