What Color Does Red and Blue Make? The Complete Purple Mixing Guide
When you mix red and blue, you get purple! But there's much more to this fundamental color combination. Learn about different purple shades, mixing ratios, color theory, and practical applications for artists and designers.
Quick Answer
Red + Blue = Purple
When you mix red and blue paint, pigments, or digital colors, you create purple (also called violet). The exact shade depends on the specific reds and blues used, their ratios, and the mixing method.
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See the red and blue combination in action! Use our What Color Make tool to experiment with different color ratios and discover various purple shades.
Try Color Mixing ToolThe Basic Red + Blue = Purple Formula
Equal parts red and blue create a balanced purple
Understanding the Red and Blue Color Combination
The combination of red and blue to create purple is one of the most fundamental principles in color theory. This mixture represents the creation of a secondary color from two primary colors, making it essential knowledge for anyone working with colors.
Why Red and Blue Make Purple
In traditional color theory, red and blue are primary colors - they cannot be created by mixing other colors. When these two primaries combine, they create purple, which is classified as a secondary color along with green (blue + yellow) and orange (red + yellow).
The science behind this combination involves light wavelengths. Red light has a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nanometers, while blue light ranges from 450-495 nanometers. When combined, our eyes perceive the mixture as purple or violet.
Different Types of Purple from Red and Blue
The exact shade of purple you get depends on several factors:
1. Mixing Ratios
50% Red + 50% Blue = Balanced Purple
50%
50%
70% Red + 30% Blue = Red-Purple (Magenta)
70%
30%
30% Red + 70% Blue = Blue-Purple (Violet)
30%
70%
2. Different Shades of Purple
Here are the most common purple variations you can create by mixing red and blue:
Dark Magenta
Rich, deep purple
Dark Orchid
Balanced purple tone
Blue Violet
Cool purple shade
Medium Purple
Soft, medium tone
Orchid
Light, airy purple
Plum
Warm purple tone
Digital vs Physical Color Mixing
RGB Digital Mixing
Digital/Screen Colors (RGB):
G: 0
B: 0
G: 0
B: 255
G: 0
B: 255
In RGB, full red + full blue = Magenta (#FF00FF)
Our online color picker uses RGB values, making it perfect for digital design work.
Traditional Paint Mixing
Paint/Pigment Mixing:
When mixing physical red and blue paint, the result is typically a more muted purple than digital mixing. This is because pigments absorb light rather than emit it.
- Cadmium Red + Ultramarine Blue = Deep, rich purple
- Alizarin Crimson + Prussian Blue = Cool, dark purple
- Vermillion + Cerulean Blue = Bright, medium purple
Practical Applications and Tips
For Digital Designers
- Use color picker tools: Our HEX to RGB converter helps you work with precise purple values
- Consider accessibility: Ensure purple text has enough contrast against backgrounds
- Brand applications: Purple conveys luxury, creativity, and royalty
- Web design: Use purple accents to create sophisticated color schemes
For Traditional Artists
- Start with small amounts: Purple can quickly overpower other colors
- Consider color temperature: Cool reds with warm blues create different purples than warm reds with cool blues
- Mix gradually: Add blue to red slowly to control the purple intensity
- Keep notes: Record successful mixing ratios for future reference
Purple in Color Theory and Psychology
Color Harmony with Purple
Purple works beautifully in various color harmony schemes:
Complementary Colors
Purple and yellow create high contrast and vibrant combinations
Analogous Colors
Purple with its parent colors creates harmonious palettes
Use our color palette generator to explore purple-based color schemes automatically.
Purple Color Psychology
What Purple Represents:
- Royalty and Luxury: Historically associated with nobility
- Creativity and Imagination: Stimulates artistic expression
- Spirituality and Mystery: Often used in religious and mystical contexts
- Sophistication: Conveys elegance and refinement
- Innovation: Associated with forward-thinking and technology
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Using Muddy Colors
Mixing low-quality or already muddy reds and blues will result in dull purples. Use pure, vibrant primary colors for the best results.
Mistake #2: Wrong Ratios
Adding too much of one color can overpower the mixture. Start with equal parts and adjust gradually to achieve your desired purple shade.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Color Temperature
Cool reds (like alizarin crimson) and warm blues (like ultramarine) create different purples than their opposite temperature counterparts.
Advanced Purple Mixing Techniques
Creating Lighter Purples
Method 1: Add White
Adding white creates pastel purple shades
Creating Darker Purples
Method 1: Add Black (Use Sparingly)
Method 2: Add More Blue (Preferred)
Adding more blue creates richer, more vibrant dark purples
Conclusion: Mastering Red and Blue Combinations
Understanding that red and blue make purple is just the beginning. The exact shade of purple you create depends on the specific reds and blues you use, their ratios, and the medium you're working with. Whether you're painting with traditional media or designing digitally, the key is experimentation and practice.
Remember that purple is more than just a mixture of red and blue - it's a color with rich cultural significance, psychological impact, and endless creative possibilities. From the royal purples of ancient times to the vibrant magentas of modern digital design, this color combination continues to inspire artists and designers worldwide.
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The ColorMix team consists of professional designers, artists, and color theory experts. We're passionate about making color education accessible and helping creators understand the science and art of color mixing.