What colors make red?
Red is a primary colour in paint, so no mix of other paints makes it. In printing, magenta and yellow ink make red, and on a screen red is one of the three primary lights.
Red is a primary colour in paint, so no mix of other paints makes it. In printing, magenta and yellow ink make red, and on a screen red is one of the three primary lights.
Lighter and darker
red + white · #ffbfbf
red + black · #660000
Tips
You can shift a red you already have: white makes pink, black makes maroon and a little yellow warms it towards scarlet.
Frequently asked questions
What colors make red?
Red is a primary colour in paint, so no mix of other paints makes it. In printing, magenta and yellow ink make red, and on a screen red is one of the three primary lights.
How do I make red lighter or darker?
Add white for a lighter tint (#ffbfbf) and black for a darker shade (#660000). Add either a little at a time - both shift a mix faster than you expect.
Any tips for mixing red?
You can shift a red you already have: white makes pink, black makes maroon and a little yellow warms it towards scarlet.
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.