färgers

Colors, or färger, are the perceptual qualities that arise from light interacting with the eye and brain. They are not inherent properties of objects themselves; rather, they are the brain’s interpretation of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, typically about 380 to 740 nanometers in wavelength.

Color can be produced in two broad ways: additive color from light and subtractive color from pigments. Additive mixing uses red, green, and blue light; combining these primaries can produce white. Subtractive mixing uses pigments or inks, commonly cyan, magenta, and yellow; combining them removes light and yields darker colors, approaching black.

The organization of colors for devices and printing relies on different models and spaces. RGB is a device-dependent model used for screens, where colors are created by light. CMYK is used in printing, based on inks. Perceptual or device-independent spaces, such as CIELAB or CIE XYZ, aim to describe colors in a way that aligns with human vision. Hue, saturation, and lightness (or value) are common ways to describe colors in user interfaces.

Human color perception stems from three types of cone cells in the retina, enabling trichromatic vision. The brain combines signals to produce a wide range of hues and nuances. Perception is influenced by lighting and context, a phenomenon known as color constancy.

Cultural, linguistic, and practical aspects shape how colors are used and understood. Color naming, symbolism, and branding vary across cultures. Accessibility considerations emphasize sufficient contrast and avoiding reliance on color alone to convey information. Standards and color management practices help ensure consistent reproduction across devices and media.