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Managing Color With ColorSync


Additive and Subtractive Color

The additive color theory refers to the process of mixing red, green, and blue lights, which are each approximately one-third of the visible spectrum. Additive color theory explains how red, green, and blue light can be added to make white light. Red and green projected together produce yellow, red and blue produce magenta, and blue and green produce cyan. With red, blue, and green transmitted light, all the colors of the rainbow can be matched.

The subtractive color theory refers to the process of combining subtractive colorants such as inks or dyes. In this theory, various levels of cyan, magenta, and yellow absorb or "subtract" a portion of the spectrum of white light that is illuminating an object. The color of an object is the result of the color lights that are not absorbed by the object. An apple appears red because the surface of the apple absorbs the blue and green light.

Monitors use the additive color space, output printing devices use the subtractive color space.


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