Subtractive Color System

Introduction

• Objects create color by subtracting or absorbing certain wavelengths of color while reflecting other wavelengths back to the viewer.
• This subtractive color system uses colorants and reflected light.
  • You start with an object that reflects light and use colorants (dyes or pigments) to subtract portions of the white light that is shining on the object.
  • The colors are cyan, magenta and yellow.

Subtractive Primary Colors

• The subtractive primary colors are: Cyan, Magenta and Yellow
  • Each one absorbs one of additive primary colors:
  • Cyan absorbs Red
  • Magenta absorbs Green
  • Yellow absorbs Blue.
  • Adding two subtractive primary colors: will transmit one of the primary additive colors.
  • Adding all three subtractive primary color: will absorb all the colors of the white light spectrum.

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