Color Format Timeline
The Evolution of Digital Color
Explore the historical development of color formats like RGB, CMYK, HEX, HSL, and HSV from print to digital design
Color formats have evolved over centuries—from print-based ink systems to digital display technologies. Here's a look at how each format came to life and shaped the design world we know today.
Early Color Theory and Printing
1725 – Jacob Christoph Le Blon introduces the 3-color printing method (Red, Yellow, Blue)
1802 – Thomas Young proposes trichromatic color theory (Red, Green, Blue)
1850s – First applications of subtractive color theory in printing
Late 1800s – Emergence of CMY color reproduction in lithography
Foundations of RGB and Screens
1931 – CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage) defines RGB primaries and standard observer
1950s–60s – CRT displays standardize RGB as light-based display model
1960s – Introduction of early computer graphics using RGB raster displays
Rise of Digital Color Models
The Web Era and HEX Codes
1991 – HTML emerges; HEX format introduced in CSS for defining colors (#RRGGBB)
1996 – CSS1 standard includes full HEX support
1998 – sRGB color space standardized for screens (based on RGB)
2000s – Widespread use of HEX, HSL, and RGB in HTML/CSS/JS
Accessibility, Design Systems, and AI
2010s – WCAG 2.0 introduces accessibility standards based on color contrast
2014 – CSS3 adds official support for HSL and RGBA
2020+ – Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Tailwind CSS promote design tokens using HSL/HEX
2023+ – AI-based design tools use HSV/HSL adjustments programmatically
📅 Summary Timeline
| Year | Format | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1725 | CMY | Le Blon's 3-color print system |
| 1802 | RGB | Young's trichromatic theory |
| 1978 | HSL/HSV | Alvy Ray Smith defines models |
| 1991 | HEX | Adopted in early HTML/CSS |
| 2010s | All | Design systems & accessibility |
Want to see how these formats compare side-by-side?