Color

Object Model Reference : Classes : C : Color

Color

Description

The Color class defines the characteristics of color objects and describes the look and behavior of the collection objects through its properties and methods.

A color is an effect applied to an object that alters the object’s appearance by the way it reflects light. A color model is a system that defines the number and type of colors that make up an image, and that is used to organize and define colors according to a set of basic properties that can be reproduced. Black-and-white, grayscale, RGB, CMYK, and paletted are examples of popular color modes.

There are many different color models that define colors: HSB, RGB, CMYK, and CIE LAB. The RGB and CMYK color models are only two of a number of models developed to suit a variety of digital design and desktop-publishing applications. It is not necessary to be familiar with all of these models, but it is helpful to be familiar with a few of the more widely used ones.

We all perceive color differently. Color is subjective to the human eye. Each device that interacts with your project’s file — the scanner, monitor, and printer — may have a different color space. For example, a color that is visible to the human eye may not be reproducible by your printer.

Because there are so many color variations, a precise method for defining each color is required. For example, when you find the perfect shade of light orange, you need to be able to reproduce that color and possibly tell others how to do the same. A color model defines that perfect shade of light orange by breaking it down into precise components that allow you to accurately transmit the information to other people and to the electronic devices you use to create projects.