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8-84 Desktop Color Primer
Color Reference Guide for C9800 - 84
Additive (RGB) color
Color devices that use the additive color model create a range of colors by combining
varying amounts of red, green, and blue light. These colors are called the additive
primaries (shown in the following figure). White is created by adding the maximum
amount of red, green, and blue light available. Black occurs wherever all three colors
are absent. Grays are created by adding equal amounts of all three color together.
Combining varying amounts of any two of the additive primaries creates a third,
saturated hue.
A familiar device that is based on this color model is the computer monitor, shown in
the following figure. Monitors have red, green, and blue phosphors that emit varying
amounts of light to display a given color. Scanners create digital representations of
colors by measuring their red, green, and blue components through colored filters.
Subtractive (CMY and CMYK) color
The subtractive color model is the basis for color printing, color photographic prints,
and transparencies. While the additive color model simulates the visible spectrum of
color by adding light of three primary hues, the subtractive color model starts with a
“white” or neutral light source containing light of many wavelengths. Inks, toners, or
other colorants are used to selectively absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light that
otherwise would be reflected or transmitted by the media in use.
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