Color models are an indispensable part of digital and printed designs. The colors we see on screens are prepared with the RGB model, and in print with the CMYK model. In addition, the HSL model, which describes colors in more detail, and hex codes, which determine color codes, also play an important role.
In digital design, color profiles and accessibility rules are vital for improving the user experience. In this article, we will discuss the four main color models and the importance of color profiles in digital design.
Color models are systems that represent colors using numerical values. These are;
- RGB (Red, Green and Blue)
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black)
- HSL (Hue, Saturation and Lightness)
- HEX (Decimal Codes)
The RGB color model is the basis for all screen-based design. This model is based on how the human eye interacts with light. These “additive colors” create the wide range of colors we see on our displays.
CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black
In contrast, the CMYK model is essential for print design. These “subtractive colors” absorb wavelengths of light and make them compatible with pigments found in the real world.
- Cyan (C): Cyan is a blue-green color. When applied, it absorbs red light and appears blue-green.
- Magenta (M): Magenta is a purplish red color. It absorbs green light, which creates a purplish red tone.
- Yellow (Y): Absorbs blue light and appears yellow.
- Black (K) or Key: “K” refers to the black component. Black ink increases depth and contrast and prevents blurring that can occur when colors are mixed.
HSL – Hue, Saturation and Lightness
The color picker on this page creates colors using hue, saturation and lightness (HSL). Adjusting these properties changes the color values.
- Hue: Hue refers to specific colors on the color wheel. A 360-degree circle on the color wheel, different hues are found by moving around the circle.
- Saturation: Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a hue. At the edge of the wheel, tones are completely saturated. As you move towards the center, the intensity decreases and the intensity of the tone is reduced by mixing black and white (gray).
- Lightness: Lightness determines how much black or white is mixed into a color. Mixing more white produces pastel colors and mixing more black produces deeper tones.
HEX Codes – Decimal Codes
Decimal codes (hex codes) determine which mix of red, green and blue each pixel on your screen should contain. Each pixel is made up of three sub-pixels that produce red, green and blue light. These sub-pixels are so small that to the human eye they appear as a single color.
Each pixel can display 16 million colors, more than the human eye can perceive. This is achieved by mixing 256 red, 256 green and 256 blue values (256 x 256 x 256). Computers tell pixels which color to display using binary code. For example, a red value of 200 is represented in binary code as 11001000. Since binary code is not readable, the decimal system is used.
How Do HEX Codes Work?
A hex code consists of three values, each with two digits: red, green and blue. For example, #F234A2 contains the three values:
- Red: F2
- Green: 34
- Blue: A2
The decimal system is based on 16, so it uses the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F. The letters A-F represent the numbers 10-15.
Conversion between HEX Codes and RGB
Hex codes and HSL values are different representations of the RGB model, so they can be converted between them. To convert a hex code to an RGB value:
- Multiply the first digit (or letter) by 16.
- Add the second digit (or letter).
For example, E2, the first value in #E234A2, represents 226 (14*16+2) and this is the RGB value for the color red. So, #E234A2 has the following RGB values:
- Red: 226
- Green: 49
- Blue: 152
(Converting HEX codes or RGB values to HSL is more complicated).
Color Profiles in Digital Design: sRGB and P3
Different devices, monitors, scanners and applications use various technologies for color rendering, leading to visual differences. When designing for digital platforms, color profiles ensure consistency.
Designers typically use two main color profiles: sRGB and Display P3. sRGB has been the web standard for years and ensures consistency across devices. Display P3 offers a wider color spectrum and can distinguish 49% more colors than sRGB. However, using P3 on devices designed for sRGB can increase energy consumption. Display P3 is ideal for iOS or high-resolution displays, but not all software is optimized for this wide color gamut.
WCAG and Color Accessibility
In 1999, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published the first Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that web content is accessible to everyone. These globally recognized guidelines are of great importance in web development and digital design. W3C regularly updates these guidelines.
The current document, WCAG 2.1, expands the accessibility guidelines by covering various types of disabilities and provides a more inclusive web experience. WCAG 3.0 is currently under development and aims to be more comprehensive.
Color models are crucial in digital and print design. The RGB model is critical for screen design and the CMYK model is critical for print. HSL and hex codes help to describe colors more precisely. Considering color profiles and accessibility guidelines in digital design significantly improves the user experience. These topics form the basics for modern designers and allow them to create effective, accessible designs.