Subtractive Color Mixer: RYB vs CMY
Interact with the pigment mixer below, then read the comprehensive guide to master both traditional and modern color theory.
Enter the percentage for each color. Inputs are automatically balanced to ensure a total of 100%.
Resulting Color:
Color Mixing Chart: RYB
RYB vs. CMY: The Complete Guide to Subtractive Color Mixing
The world of color is governed by two main systems: additive (light) and subtractive (pigment). When you mix paints, inks, or dyes, you are dealing with subtractive color mixing, and that conversation is dominated by two critical models: the RYB color model and the CMY color model.
Understanding the difference between Red, Yellow, Blue (RYB) and Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (CMY) is fundamental for any artist, designer, or printer. This guide breaks down both models, explains why they matter, and helps you master the art of color mixing.
The Traditional Artist’s Wheel: The RYB Color Model
The RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) model is the traditional system, most familiar to painters and visual artists. It is the foundation of the traditional color wheel used in art education for centuries.
RYB Primary Colors
In the RYB system, the three primary colors are those that theoretically cannot be created by mixing other colors:
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
RYB Secondary and Tertiary Colors
When you combine any two RYB primaries in equal amounts, you create the secondary colors:
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Blue + Red = Violet (or Purple)
Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color (e.g., Red-Orange or Yellow-Green).
Why RYB is Still Used
While technically imperfect for achieving the widest color gamut (range of colors), the RYB model is indispensable because:
- Accessibility: It works effectively with the inexpensive, readily available pigments found in most student-grade paints.
- Historical Foundation: It’s deeply rooted in art history, making it the common language for discussing color relationships like complementary pairs and analogues.
The Modern Pigment Model: The CMY Color Model
The CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) model is the scientifically and functionally superior system for subtractive color mixing. It is the foundation of all modern printing, hence why it is often seen as CMYK (with the ‘K’ standing for Key/Black ink).
CMY Primary Colors
The CMY primaries are actually the secondary colors of the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) additive light model. These pigments absorb (subtract) light in a way that allows them to produce a much wider and more vibrant range of colors when mixed compared to RYB.
- Cyan (C): A light blue/teal color.
- Magenta (M): A bright reddish-pink color.
- Yellow (Y): A pure yellow.
CMY Secondary Colors
When two CMY primaries are combined, they create the three most important, pure colors:
- Cyan + Magenta = Blue
- Magenta + Yellow = Red
- Cyan + Yellow = Green
Notice that the CMY secondary colors (Red, Green, Blue) are the three primary colors of the additive light model (RGB)! This is why CMY is considered the true, efficient subtractive model.
Key Differences and Why They Matter
The confusion between the two models stems from their different purposes and the imperfect nature of traditional pigments.
| Feature | RYB | CMY |
|---|---|---|
| Use Case | Traditional art, painting, and older color wheels. | Modern printing, digital design (when converting to print), and modern artist-grade pigments. |
| Purity | Less pure, relies on approximate pigments (e.g., a “Red” that leans slightly magenta). | Highly pure, scientifically proven to create the widest gamut. |
| Secondary Colors | Orange, Green, Violet/Purple. | Red, Green, Blue. |
| Neutral Mix (3-Color) | Mixing all three results in a dull, muddy brown/black. | Mixing all three results in a rich, true black (though K ink is added for efficiency). |
For artists, understanding that their tube of “Red” paint is likely closer to Magenta and their “Blue” paint is closer to Cyan is crucial for achieving clean, vibrant secondary colors. If your Red and Blue paints result in a muddy Violet, it’s often because your pigments are not true primaries (e.g., your “Red” leans too orange, or your “Blue” leans too green).
Frequently Asked Questions about RYB and CMY
What is the difference between CMY and CMYK?
CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) refers to the three primary pigment colors. CMYK adds a fourth color, Key (Black), to the mix. Black ink is added in commercial printing because mixing 100% CMY often creates a dark brown or charcoal color, not a deep, true black. Using pure black (K) ink is cheaper, provides better definition, and conserves the colored inks.
Which color model should I use for painting?
For painting, you should aim to use pigments that function like the CMY primaries (a bright, true Cyan and a vibrant Magenta) for the cleanest and most vibrant mixes. However, you will likely still use the familiar RYB vocabulary (Orange, Green, Violet) to name the secondary and tertiary colors you create. Think of it as using CMY primaries with an RYB structure.
Why do some people say Red and Green are complementary colors, and others say Red and Cyan are?
This depends on the model:
- RYB: The complementary color to Red is Green.
- CMY: The complementary color to Red (a secondary mix of Magenta + Yellow) is Cyan (the remaining primary).
In modern color theory, the relationship between Red and Cyan is considered the more accurate and effective complementary pair for achieving maximum contrast.
Does the RYB model work for light?
No. The RYB model is strictly for subtractive color (pigment/ink). Light uses the additive model, RGB (Red, Green, Blue), where mixing all three results in white light. Mixing all three subtractive primaries (CMY or RYB) results in a dark, neutral color (brown or black).