Various models have been proposed to describe colors in a precise, reproducible way. Some use systems of numbers to mix an infinite number of variations, while others use a finite set of standard reference colors.

Formula Color Models

These color models describe infinite variations of color with one or more axes.

• HSB, HSV, HSL – Artistic color models.
• RGB, sRGB – Computer graphics color models.
• CMYK, CMY, CcMmYK, CcMmYKk, Hexachrome – Printing ink-based color models.
• CIE color models - Coming soon
• LUV - Coming soon
• YCrCb – Coming soon

Spot Color Sets

These are sets of discrete, predefined colors (or swatches). They are generally proprietary.

• Pantone – The most popular spot ink color set used by printing professionals.
• Munsell – Another common color set based on HSB.
• Websafe palette – A set of 216 standard RGB colors for cross-platform compatibility in web design and other graphics applications.
• VisiBone - Coming soon
• Toyo - Coming soon
• Focoltone - Coming soon
• ANPA - Coming soon
• TruMatch - Coming soon

Other Topics on Color Creation

Colors can be created in two fundamental ways, additively and subtractively.

Each color model has different ranges of possible colors it can represent, known as its gamut.