What is the difference between additive and subtractive color mixing?

Color mixing is the process of combining different colors to produce new ones. There are two main types of color mixing: additive and subtractive. Additive color mixing involves adding colored light, while subtractive color mixing involves subtracting colors from reflected or transmitted light.

Additive color mixing is used in electronic displays, such as televisions and computer monitors. In additive color mixing, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). By adding different amounts of these primary colors together, all other colors can be created. For example, adding red and green light together produces yellow light. Adding all three primary colors together produces white light.

Subtractive color mixing is used in printing and painting. In subtractive color mixing, the primary colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these colors are mixed together, they absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. For example, when cyan and yellow paint are mixed together, they absorb red light and reflect green and blue light, producing a greenish color. When all three primary colors are mixed together, they absorb all wavelengths of light, producing black.