What is a Color Wheel?

What is a Color Wheel?

A color wheel shows the relationship between colors and the progression of the color spectrum. It’s a visual representation of color theory. There are two different types of color wheel. RYB, which stands for red, yellow, blue, is used by those who create physical art. The other is RGB, which means red, green, blue, is for digital use and refers to mixing light on a computer screen. Both color wheels have twelve colors, but they differ based on the type of wheel you’re using.

Tell your story with captivating presentations

Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices

Learn more

• RYB color wheel colors: Red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, violet, red-violet
• RGB color wheel colors: Red, orange, yellow, chartreuse green, green, spring green, cyan, azure, blue, violet, magenta, and rose

Color printers need to express the full color spectrum so they use cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. These can combine to form a range of colors, including blue, yellow, and red.

Color Wheel Primary Colors

• Primary colors are the foundation of the color wheel. When combined in different measure, they create all other colors. In the digital RGB color wheel, blending all three primary colors will create white light.
• RYB primary colors: red, yellow, blue
• RGB primary colors: red, green, blue

Color Wheel Secondary Colors

Secondary colors are the result when two primary colors are mixed. Each color wheel has three secondary colors.

• RYB secondary colors: orange, green, purple
• RGB secondary colors: yellow, cyan, magenta

It’s important to remember that in the RGB color wheel, you’re mixing light and not paint or colored pencils.

Color Wheel Tertiary Colors

When you blend a secondary color with a primary color, a tertiary color is created on the color wheel. Each color wheel has six tertiary colors:

• RYB tertiary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet
• RGB tertiary colors: orange, chartreuse green, spring green, azure, violet, rose

Other Aspects of Color Theory

You were likely introduced to color theory at a very young age when you learned that red and blue make purple. However, color theory also involves how dark or light a color is, whether or not the color has shades of gray, or how saturated the color is. You may have also learned about how to pair colors, and how colors may evoke emotional responses.

For instance, complementary colors are located opposite each other on a color wheel. When complementary colors are paired together, the result is a high-contrast combination that draws the eye. In an RYB color wheel, an example would be red and green, or purple and yellow. In a RGB color wheel, complementary colors are a little different. Instead of green, the compliment to red in the RGB wheel is cyan.

Monochromatic color schemes occur when someone bases a design around different shades, tones, and tints of a single color. A shade is formed by adding black to a base color, which lends depth and darkness. A tint is created when you add white to that same base color, lightening it. When you add gray to a color, you create a tone. Shades, tints, and tones help to show the depth of a color and can be used to create intense and vivid works of art or presentations.

Other color combinations in design include:

• Analogous: Three colors that exist side-by-side on a color wheel. This scheme can be overwhelming, so allowing one color to be the focus will make it seem less busy. However, when applied correctly, these color scheme can be incredibly harmonious, because all three colors share some commonalities. For example, red paired with red-orange and orange can look lovely if one color is allowed to shine while the others accent.
• Triadic: Three colors on a color wheel that are evenly spaced apart. The result is high contrast, bold, and vibrant. A basic example of this is orange, green, and purple. A designer who allows one color to be the focal point in the color scheme may find that this color combination is incredibly versatile.

Color temperature is another aspect of color to consider. Warm and cool undertones can change the way your art or design is perceived. Warm colors—red, orange, and yellow—are typically associated with daylight, while cool tones—green, blue, and purple—are associated with overcast light. Experiment with how different shades of warm and cool colors go together and change the tone of your design.

There’s also color context to consider. When two similar shades of dark purple are placed next to each other, neither will truly stand out. However, if those dark purples are broken up with a bright yellow or yellow-green, the differences may become more apparent. While each color can certainly stand alone, how it is perceived by the individual may depend on what other colors are nearby. When decorating a home, choosing an outfit, or creating a presentation, this is an important thing to keep in mind.

Colors also can make people feel a certain way. Red may invoke strong feelings like anger or passion, while bright yellow flowers can make people feel happy and cheerful. If you enter a room with plain light blue walls, you may feel more relaxed than if you entered a room with neon yellow walls. Of course, each person’s perception of color is different, but spas and meditative spaces are typically painted in dreamy shades of light blue, cream, and gray because they promote relaxation. A gym might be painted in brighter, bolder colors because it’s a space that encourages effort and energy.

Consider the color wheel and color theory when designing your next presentation—you’ll be sure to capture your audience’s attention with an eye-catching palette.