Do you ever purchase a new piece of clothing and feel like the color is just slightly off? Or, maybe you see a paint color in a catalog and think that it would look perfect in your home, but when you go to the store to buy it, the color is completely different. You’re not imagining things! The difference between tone and hue can be subtle, but it’s an important distinction to understand. In this post, we’ll break down what tone and hue are and how they differ. We’ll also provide some tips for ensuring that you get the right tone or hue for your needs.
What is Tone?
The tone is a property of color that refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a hue. When applied to visual art, tone can produce a variety of effects. For example, using a light tone can create a feeling of airiness, while using a dark tone can add a sense of mystery. Tone can also be used to create depth and dimensionality, as lighter tones tend to recede while darker tones advance.
In addition, different tones can convey different moods and emotions. For instance, softer tones may evoke feelings of tranquility, while brighter tones may convey excitement or energy. Ultimately, the decision of which tone to use is up to the artist, and each one has the potential to create unique and beautiful effects.
What is Hue?
Hue is one of the three properties of color, along with chroma and value. Hue refers to the dominant wavelength of light that is reflected by an object. In other words, it is the color that we see. Hue is often confused with chroma, which is the purity or intensity of a color. For example, a red apple and a pink eraser both have the hue red, but the apple has a higher chroma because it is a purer shade of red. Value, on the other hand, refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Hue, chroma, and value are all important factors to consider when choosing colors for a design project.
Difference between Tone and Hue
Tone and hue are both properties of color, but they describe different aspects of the color. Tone refers to the brightness or darkness of a color, while hue refers to the actual color itself. For example, a yellow can have a light tone or a dark tone, but it will always have the same hue. Similarly, a hue can be light or dark, but it will always have the same tone.
The tone is created by adding white or black to a color, while the hue is created by adding other colors. For example, adding white to red will create a pink with a light tone, while adding black will create a maroon with a dark tone. Adding yellow to pink will create a peach with a light hue while adding purple will create a mauve with a dark hue. By understanding the difference between tone and hue, you can more effectively mix and match colors to create the desired effect.
Conclusion
Hue is the color, and tone is how light or dark that color appears. When choosing a hue for your brand, it’s important to consider what tone you want to present. A professional tone will give off an air of authority and trustworthiness, while a fun tone could be used for brands targeting younger customers. No matter what hue you choose, make sure the tone of your brand remains consistent across all platforms.
