What colors make purple?
Red and blue make purple. Pick a cool red such as crimson and a blue that leans violet such as ultramarine - a warm red carries yellow, which drags the mix towards brown.
Red and blue make purple. Pick a cool red such as crimson and a blue that leans violet such as ultramarine - a warm red carries yellow, which drags the mix towards brown.
Mixes that make purple
red + blue · #800080
Lighter and darker
red + blue + white · #c080c0
red + blue + black · #4d004d
Tips
Add white for lavender and black for a deep plum. Add both slowly, purple shifts fast.
Frequently asked questions
What colors make purple?
Red and blue make purple. Pick a cool red such as crimson and a blue that leans violet such as ultramarine - a warm red carries yellow, which drags the mix towards brown.
How do I make purple lighter or darker?
Add white for a lighter tint (#c080c0) and black for a darker shade (#4d004d). Add either a little at a time - both shift a mix faster than you expect.
Any tips for mixing purple?
Add white for lavender and black for a deep plum. Add both slowly, purple shifts fast.
Does this work the same way on a screen?
No. Screens mix light additively, so red and green light make yellow there. These results are for paint, ink and dye, which mix subtractively.