What are primary colors in design?

Primary colors in design refer to a set of colors that can be combined to create a wide range of other colors. In traditional color theory, which is often applied in the realms of art and design, the primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. These colors are called "primary" because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together; instead, they serve as the foundational colors from which a variety of secondary and tertiary colors are derived.

When these primary colors are combined, they can produce secondary colors: for example, mixing red and yellow creates orange, yellow and blue create green, and red and blue create purple. This foundational concept is crucial for designers as it informs color selection, harmony, and contrast in visual projects.

The other options listed do not adhere to this traditional primary color theory in common design contexts. Red, blue, and green relate more closely to additive color systems like RGB, which pertain to light-based designs such as digital screens, but not specifically to the classic primary colors. Meanwhile, orange, purple, and yellow are all derived from mixing other colors rather than serving as primary colors themselves. Lastly, black, white, and gray are often referred to concerning neutrals in design, playing significant roles in contrast and shading but