RGB Tools

RGB Color Model Explained

Find out more about RGB color models here!

Many computer graphics programs use the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, and it is also used for television and film.

The Basics of RGB Color Models

The RGB color model uses three colors – red, green, and blue – to represent each pixel on an image. Each color has its intensity value, so when combined, these three values make up one pixel. Every pixel on an image can be represented by a combination of red, green, and/or blue.

Understanding CMYK Color Models

In contrast, the CMYK color model uses four colors – cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) – to represent each pixel. These four colors are used to produce any color on a printed piece of paper. However, because only four colors are available, some colors cannot be produced using the CMYK color system.

Using RGB Colors in Photoshop

To make sure that you can use the full range of colors when creating images with Photoshop, you need to understand how the RGB color model works. This model allows you to combine three primary colors – red, green, and blue – to create any other color.

Using RGB Colors in Illustrator

You can choose between two color modes in Adobe Illustrator: RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). You can also use the HSB (hue, saturation, brightness) mode.

Working with RGB Colors in InDesign

If you work with colors in Photoshop, you’re familiar with the RGB color model. This model uses three values to describe each color: red, green, and blue, and these values determine how much of each primary color is present in a given color.