Color has a strong effect on your design. Therefore, it is important to pick the right color models, as they can either make or break the success of your product. There are two types of color models. One is addictive colors, which create color by combining light. The other is subtractive colors, which rely on absorbing and reflecting light that results in colors shifting towards black.
Feeling overwhelmed already? That’s perfectly fine, as understanding color models, their management, and their application can be challenging at first.
But Denovers has got your back. We are a product design agency and have worked on several web and mobile applications where we have successfully set the color scheme according to the expectations of our clients and their target audience. Keeping that in view, in this article, we will share deep insights about additive and subtractive.
Let’s first begin by studying additive colors in detail.
Time to get started!
Additive Color Model
Additive colors are formed by blending light in primary shades of red, green, and blue, which are the key colors in the visible light spectrum. When mixed in various proportions, these primary colors yield secondary colors such as yellow, cyan, and magenta, setting the foundation for the subtractive color model. The name “additive” reflects the process itself as it combines distinct colors to create a brighter, more vivid outcome.
Our designers at Denovers are skilled and experienced, as they know how to use colors according to different niches, industries and platforms. Have a look at one of our projects below, where we ensured the color we were using aligned with the platform’s unique needs and requirements.
Here is another example of a product we designed by subtly incorporating a bright color, which we ensured wasn’t loud and went easy on the eyes of the users.
Additive colors play a major role in technology. Devices like TVs and computer screens use the RGB model, where each pixel starts as black and gains color by adding percentages of red, green, and blue. This RGB system aligns with human color perception, ensuring accurate color representation on digital displays for an optimal viewing experience.
Now that we have understood what additive colors are let’s look at subtractive colors.
Subtractive Color Model
Unlike additive color mixing, subtractive colors emerge by absorbing specific light wavelengths as they alter the appearance of white light. The primary colors in this model are cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY), with black (K) included to create a true black by absorbing all light. The subtractive model is crucial in areas like printing and painting. “Subtractive” refers to the process of combining color layers that absorb certain wavelengths. This leaves only the desired color to reflect back.
We see subtractive processes in everyday objects like flowers and printed materials, where pigments or inks absorb parts of white light and reflect specific wavelengths to produce color. When the primary colors in this model blend, they interact through light absorption and reflection to create the intended hues.
Having said that, let’s now move on to the differences between additive and subtractive colors.
Differences between additive vs subtractive colors
There are many aspects in which additive and subtractive colors differ. Let’s have a look at them.
Color Models
- Additive (RGB): Used for digital screens, optimizing bright, vibrant colors.
- Subtractive (CMYK): Designed for print, ensuring accurate color reproduction on paper.
Primary Colors
- Additive (RGB): Combines red, green, and blue light.
- Subtractive (CMYK): Uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks.
Creation of White:
- Additive (RGB): White is created by combining all colors at full intensity.
- Subtractive (CMYK): White is the absence of ink, using the white of the paper.
Color Range
- Additive (RGB): Offers a broader, more vibrant color spectrum ideal for digital media.
- Subtractive (CMYK): Uses a more limited color range but provides depth and detail through ink layering.
Color Representation
- Additive (RGB): Colors are specified in values from 0-255 for each color.
- Subtractive (CMYK): Colors are represented in ink percentages (0% to 100%).
Use Case
- Additive (RGB): Best for digital platforms (websites, social media, video).
- Subtractive (CMYK): Essential for printed materials (brochures, posters, magazines).
Understanding these differences helps design and media professionals choose the right model for optimal visual impact on the intended medium.
Moving forward, we will now see which color model should be used when.
When to use what?
Here’s a guide on when to use additive (RGB) and subtractive (CMYK) color models:
Additive Colors (RGB)
Use the RGB model when designing for digital screens, like computers, TVs, and mobile devices. Since RGB uses red, green, and blue light, colors appear more vibrant and luminous on digital displays. Its wider color range and brightness make it ideal for:
- Web design and digital media (e.g., websites, social media graphics)
- UI/UX design for apps and software
- Online ads and digital presentations
RGB is specifically designed to work with light, making it optimal for any medium that emits light directly.
Subtractive Colors (CMYK)
Use the CMYK model for any design meant to be printed. Since CMYK uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, it works by absorbing (or subtracting) light to produce colors. This process ensures consistency across different printers, making it suitable for:
- Print materials like brochures, flyers, and business cards
- Packaging design and physical branding assets
- Book and magazine printing
With CMYK, you get more accurate color reproduction in print. This makes vibrant hues look consistent across various print formats.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap! By now, you will know what additive and subtractive colors are and where to use them. Each color model has its own strengths and weaknesses, which apply in different situations. As a result, it is important to know how these color models work and what the principles are for using them. This helps you make informed decisions for your projects, whether they are digital or physical.
Are you struggling to pick the right color model for your projects? Denovers is here to guide you. We have done multiple projects to create SaaS web and mobile applications, using different additive colors according to their niche and target market. Therefore, we know the drill of choosing the right color model for your SaaS products to not only pop the design but also give the users an amazing user experience with balanced color themes.
FAQs
What is the difference between additive and subtractive color models?
Additive color involves mixing light to create colors. It starts with black (absence of light) and adds light to produce colors. This eventually creates white when all colors are combined. On the other hand, subtractive color is based on the absorption and reflection of light by pigments or inks. It starts with white light, and as colors are combined, they absorb (subtract) wavelengths of light, moving the result closer to black.
Why is CMYK called a subtractive color model?
The CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) model works by layering inks on a light or white background. These inks absorb specific wavelengths of light, reducing the amount of light reflected back to your eyes. This process “subtracts” the primary additive colors (red, green, and blue) from white light, leaving the desired colors visible.
Why is RGB called an additive color model?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is called an additive color model because it creates colors by adding light. By combining red, green, and blue light in varying intensities, you can produce a full spectrum of colors, including white, when all three colors are at maximum intensity.
What are the additive colors?
The additive primary colors are Red, Green, and Blue (RGB). These are the building blocks of all other colors of light. You can see their effects in digital screens like those on computers, TVs, and mobile phones, which mix these three colors to display a wide range of hues.
