RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—the primary colors of light. This model dates back to the early days of color television in the 1950s, but its roots go back further to 19th-century experiments in color vision. RGB is additive—start with black, and add light to create colors.
Where It’s Used
-
Digital screens (phones, laptops, TVs)
-
Web and app design
-
Photography for online use
RGB colors are more vibrant on screen because light emits directly to your eyes.
Tips
-
Always design in RGB for anything that will stay digital—it gives you access to a broader color range.
-
Remember: RGB colors can appear duller when converted to CMYK for print.
-
Use the sRGB profile for web—most browsers and devices are optimized for it.