Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
4. Working with Color
What You'll Do
Change Color Settings
Change Color Profiles
Work with Color Modes
Change Color Modes
Apply Colors
Work with the Color Panel
Work with the Swatches Panel
Create Groups in the Swatches Panel
Work with Swatch Libraries
Add Colors Using the Kuler Panel
Replace or Invert Colors
Use the Color Guide Panel
Apply Color with the Color Guide Panel
Edit Colors with Live Color
Proof Colors on the Screen
Introduction
When you create or open a document, Illustrator creates or looks for a color profile, which
specifies color usage in the document. Color modes define the colors represented in the
active document. Although you can change the color mode of a document, it is best to se-
lect the correct color mode when you create a document. Illustrator's main color modes are
RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) for onscreen and web projects and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta,
Yellow, and Black) for commercial printing projects.
Illustratorprovidesseveralpanels(Tools,Color,Swatches,ColorGuide,andKuler)foryou
to use to work with color and apply color to one or more objects. For example, the Color
panel lets you create colors using different sliders and spectrum color selectors. Illustrator
not only lets you select virtually any colors you desire, it also lets you store those colors for
future use in the Swatches panel. Along with the panels, Illustrator also provides the Live
