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RGB Color Model

An additive color model using Red, Green, and Blue light to create a spectrum of colors for digital displays.

DesignAlso called: "rgb", "red green blue"

RGB is the standard color model for screens, combining light to produce colors.

How RGB works

  • Each color channel: 0-255 (8 bits).
  • Total colors: 256³ = 16,777,216 combinations.
  • Additive: More light = brighter (white at max).
  • 0,0,0 = black (no light).
  • 255,255,255 = white (full light).

RGB representations

  • Decimal: rgb(255, 87, 51)
  • Hexadecimal: #FF5733
  • Percentage: rgb(100%, 34%, 20%)

Common colors

  • Red: #FF0000 (255, 0, 0)
  • Green: #00FF00 (0, 255, 0)
  • Blue: #0000FF (0, 0, 255)
  • Yellow: #FFFF00 (255, 255, 0)
  • Magenta: #FF00FF (255, 0, 255)
  • Cyan: #00FFFF (0, 255, 255)

Related models

  • RGBA: RGB + Alpha (transparency).
  • HSL: Hue, Saturation, Lightness (more intuitive).
  • HSV: Hue, Saturation, Value.
  • CMYK: Print colors (subtractive model).

Applications

  • Web design (CSS colors).
  • Digital photography.
  • Video editing.
  • Display calibration.