Color Models: CMYK, RGB, HEX, and HSL Explained

Learn about different color models and how they represent colors in various contexts. Each model has its unique characteristics and applications in design and development.

What is CMYK?

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the subtractive color model that powers professional printing. By mixing these four ink colors, printers can reproduce millions of colors on paper with remarkable accuracy.

Best for: Print materials, magazines, business cards

Coverage: Up to 70% of visible colors

Key Benefits: Accurate color reproduction on paper

Most common use: Professional printing, packaging design

Learn more about CMYK color model

What is RGB?

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the additive color model that creates all the colors you see on digital screens. By combining these three primary colors of light, your monitor can display over 16 million vibrant colors.

Best for: Digital screens, websites, mobile apps

Coverage: ~35% of visible spectrum (sRGB), up to 75% (wide gamut)

Key Benefits: Brightest, most vibrant colors possible

Most common use: Web design, digital photography, video

Learn more about RGB color model

What is HEX?

HEX color codes are 6-digit hexadecimal values that represent colors in web development and design. These universal codes ensure your colors look identical across all browsers and devices, making them essential for digital design.

Best for: Web development, CSS styling, digital workflows

Coverage: 16.7 million possible combinations

Key Benefits: Universal web compatibility

Most common use: HTML/CSS, design handoffs, brand guidelines

Learn more about HEX color model

What is HSL?

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) mimics how humans naturally think about color, making it perfect for designers who want intuitive control. This model lets you easily create color variations and maintain consistency across your designs.

Best for: Color adjustments, design systems, accessibility

Coverage: Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%)

Key Benefits: Human-friendly color manipulation

Most common use: Perfect for creating color palettes, maintaining brand consistency

Learn more about HSL color model

A list of questions we get asked often

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about color models? We've got you covered.

What is a color model?: A color model is a system for representing colors using numeric values. Different models like RGB, CMYK, HEX, and HSL are used depending on whether the design is for print, digital screens, or color adjustments.
Which color model is best for printing?: CMYK is the best color model for printing because it uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black inks. This subtractive method ensures accurate color reproduction on paper.
Which color model is best for web design?: RGB and HEX are the most commonly used color models for web design. RGB defines colors by light values, while HEX provides a universal hexadecimal code that ensures consistent display across browsers.
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?: RGB is an additive color model used for screens, combining red, green, and blue light to create colors. CMYK is subtractive and used for printing, mixing ink colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. RGB is brighter, while CMYK is optimized for paper.
What is the difference between HEX and RGB?: HEX is a shorthand hexadecimal representation of RGB values. For example, HEX #FF0000 represents pure red, which is the same as RGB(255, 0, 0). Both are used in digital design, but HEX is more common in CSS and web development.
What is the difference between HSL and RGB?: RGB defines colors based on light intensity of red, green, and blue. HSL describes colors in terms of Hue, Saturation, and Lightness, making it easier for designers to adjust and create color palettes.
Why do designers use HSL?: Designers use HSL because it allows intuitive color manipulation. Adjusting hue shifts the color, saturation changes its intensity, and lightness makes it lighter or darker, making HSL ideal for creating accessible and consistent palettes.
How many colors can RGB display?: The standard RGB color model can display over 16.7 million colors by combining different levels of red, green, and blue light.
How many colors can CMYK reproduce?: CMYK can reproduce up to 70% of visible colors. While not as vibrant as RGB, it is optimized for accuracy in professional printing.
Why does my print look different from the screen?: Screens use RGB, which can display brighter and more vibrant colors. Printers use CMYK, which has a smaller color gamut, so certain RGB colors may not be perfectly reproduced in print.
When should I use HEX instead of RGB?: Use HEX when coding colors in CSS, HTML, or design systems, since HEX provides a shorter, universal representation of RGB values that ensures consistent rendering across devices and browsers.
Can you convert between RGB, HEX, HSL, and CMYK?: Yes. Colors can be converted between models using formulas or tools. For example, RGB can be converted to HEX or HSL for web use, and to CMYK for printing.