Color Theory and Design Terminology

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achromatic

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Hueless colors such as black, gray, and white

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analogous color

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Colors beside each other on the color wheel. They are compatible with one another.

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brightness

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The relative lightness or darkness of a particular color, from black (no brightness) to white (full brightness).

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chroma

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Greek word for color

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CMYK

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Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. The subtractive color model used in print design.

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color context

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How color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes

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color harmony

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The art and science of putting together colors in a pleasing manner

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color scheme

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A planned combination of colors used in print, web, interior, and fashion design

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color theory

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A set of basic rules for mixing color to achieve a desired result

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color wheel

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A circular diagram in which primary and usually intermediate colors are arranged sequentially so that related colors are next to each other and complementary colors are opposite.