What Colors Make Blue?

Can You Mix Colors to Make Blue?

Blue is one of the three primary colors in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) color models. Because it is a primary color, you cannot mix any other colors to create true blue. If you're trying to make blue by combining other colors, you may only end up with hues close to blue, such as teal or purple.

However, in the CMYK color model (used in printing), blue can be created by mixing cyan and magenta. This is because CMYK is a subtractive color model, while RGB and RYB are additive color models.

Blue in the RGB Color Model

In digital design and screens, the RGB color model is used. Blue in RGB is created by setting the blue channel to its maximum value while keeping red and green at zero. In other words:
RGB(0, 0, 255)

Since RGB is an additive color model, blue is a primary light color and cannot be made by mixing others. Here are some common blue shades in RGB:

• Navy Blue: RGB(0, 0, 128)
• Royal Blue: RGB(65, 105, 225)
• Sky Blue: RGB(135, 206, 235)
• Baby Blue: RGB(137, 207, 240)

Blue in the CMYK Color Model

The CMYK model (used in printing) is subtractive and uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Blue is created in CMYK by mixing cyan and magenta:
Cyan + Magenta = Blue

This makes CMYK unique because while blue is a primary color in RYB and RGB, it is a secondary color in CMYK. Here are some common blue shades in CMYK:

• Process Blue: C:100 M:100 Y:0 K:0
• Navy Blue: C:100 M:100 Y:0 K:50
• Light Blue: C:50 M:0 Y:0 K:0

Why Is Blue a Primary Color?

In traditional color theory and modern digital applications, blue is a building block for mixing other colors. Along with red and yellow (or green in RGB), blue forms the basis for creating a wide range of colors like green (blue + yellow) or purple (blue + red).

Blue is considered a primary color because:

• It cannot be created by mixing other colors in the RGB or RYB models
• It is one of the three basic colors that can create all other colors
• It is a fundamental color in both additive (RGB) and subtractive (RYB) color systems

What Happens When You Mix Blue With Other Colors?

While you can't make blue by mixing other colors, you can create many different shades and tones by mixing blue with other colors:

• Blue + Yellow = Green (in RYB model)
• Blue + Red = Purple (in RYB model)
• Blue + White = Light Blue (Tint)
• Blue + Black = Navy (Shade)
• Blue + Green = Teal
• Blue + Gray = Slate Blue

Common Shades of Blue and Their Color Codes

Here are some popular shades of blue with their RGB and CMYK values:

Final Thoughts: How to Get Blue?

If you're using paints, inks, or digital tools, remember: you can't create pure blue by mixing other colors. It's a primary color in most models and needs to be used as is. However, you can create different shades, tints, and tones of blue by mixing it with other colors.

Want to explore more color combinations? Use our interactive color mixing tool to visualize what colors make what!