Secondary Colors
Colors created by mixing two primary colors. In the classical model they are orange, green and violet — the three hues that sit between the primaries on the color wheel.
The three classical secondaries
These are the secondaries taught in art and design theory using the RYB model. Each one sits between two primaries on the color wheel.
Red + Yellow = Orange
Warm and energetic. Sits between the two warmest primaries.
Yellow + Blue = Green
Cool and natural. The most common color in the natural world.
Red + Blue = Violet
Cool and creative. Historically the color of royalty and luxury.
RGB and CMY secondaries
On screens and in printing the secondaries are different, because the primaries are different. Both sets are mathematically consistent within their own system.
| Model | Primaries | Secondaries | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| RGB | Red, Green, Blue | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow | Additive (light) |
| CMY | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow | Red, Green, Blue | Subtractive (print) |
| RYB | Red, Yellow, Blue | Orange, Green, Violet | Traditional art |
Note the elegance: RGB and CMY are the same three colors viewed from opposite ends. The primaries of one system are the secondaries of the other.
Where to find them on the wheel
On the HSL hue wheel the classical secondaries sit at the following angles:
| Secondary | Primaries mixed | Hue angle |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Red + Yellow | 30° |
| Green | Yellow + Blue | 120° |
| Violet | Red + Blue | 270° |
Practical use
- Accent colors — orange, green and violet often serve as the second color in a palette anchored by a primary.
- Semantic colors — green is the natural choice for success, orange for warnings.
- Illustrations — secondaries feel more organic than primaries and mix beautifully.
- Three-color palettes — pairing all three secondaries creates a balanced, harmonious look.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three secondary colors?
In the traditional RYB model, they are orange, green and violet. Each is created by mixing two primaries: red + yellow = orange, yellow + blue = green, red + blue = violet.
How do you make a secondary color?
Mix two primary colors in equal amounts. Pigment (subtractive) mixing and light (additive) mixing produce different results — in paint, red + yellow makes orange; in light, red + green makes yellow.
What is the difference between primary and secondary colors?
Primaries cannot be created by mixing other colors in that model. Secondaries are produced by mixing two primaries. In RYB: red, yellow, blue are primaries; orange, green, violet are secondaries.
Why do secondary colors feel natural?
Because they appear more often in nature. Leaves, sunsets and flowers are physical mixtures of reflected light, so secondary hues feel familiar and grounded compared to the more synthetic primaries.