Colour notation refers to the codes used by colour models to identify and store colour values in a form recognisable to both computers and humans.
RGB Colour Model
The RGB colour model uses both decimal and hexadecimal triplets for colour notation. So RGB notation looks like this:
- R=255, G=128, B=0 is the decimal notation for orange.
- #FF8000 is the hexadecimal notation for orange.
HSB Colour Model
The HSB colour model uses decimal triplets for colour notation. So an HSB notation looks like this:
- H=30, S=100, B=100 is the notation for orange.
CMYK Colour Model
- The CMYK colour model uses decimal quadruplets for colour notation. So a CMYK notation looks like this:
- C=0, M=61, Y=100, K=0 is the notation for orange.
- Each model involves a different method of encoding colours and each is used for different purposes. RGB, for instance, is commonly used for electronic displays, while CMYK is often used for printing.
- HSB, also known as HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value), is a cylindrical representation of RGB and is more intuitive for humans to understand and manipulate.
- Conversion between different forms of notation does not always result in an exact match due to the differences in colour gamuts.
Related diagrams
Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.
- Colour notation refers to the codes used by colour models to identify and store colour values in a form recognizable to both computers and humans.
- For example, the RGB colour model uses both decimal and hexadecimal triplets for colour notation. So RGB notation looks like this:
- R=255, G=128, B=0 is the decimal notation for orange.
- #FF8000 is the hexadecimal notation for orange.