What is the Difference Between Hue and Color?

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The terms "hue" and "color" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here are the key differences between hue and color:

  • Color: This is a general term used to describe every hue, tint, tone, or shade that we can see. It encompasses all the different colors, including white, black, and gray, which are often referred to as colors even though they are neutral and do not appear on the color wheel.
  • Hue: Hue refers to the origin of the colors we can see and is the dominant color family. Primary and secondary colors (yellow, orange, red, violet, blue, and green) are considered hues. Tertiary colors, which are mixed colors where neither color is dominant, are also considered hues. Hue is a pure color without any black, gray, or white.

In summary, color is a broad term that includes all hues, tints, tones, and shades, while hue specifically refers to the dominant color family or the origin of the color we can see.

Comparative Table: Hue vs Color

The difference between hue and color can be understood through the following table:

Feature Hue Color
Definition Hue refers to the dominant wavelength of a color, which is objective and evidence-based. Color refers to the overall appearance of a hue with its associated saturation and value.
Measurement Hue is measured in degrees, ranging from 0 to 360. Color is a combination of hue, saturation, and value (HSV) or red, green, and blue (RGB).
Relationship Hues are organized into families, and harmonious color schemes are created by using colors from the same hue family or with similar value and chroma. Colors can be organized into various schemes, such as qualitative, sequential, or diverging, based on the relationship between hues and other color attributes.

In summary, hue is a specific aspect of a color, while color is the overall appearance of a hue combined with its saturation and value. Hues are used to create harmonious color schemes, and colors can be organized into various schemes based on their relationships with hues and other color attributes.