What Colors Make Orange?
Learn how to mix and create different shades of orange
Orange is a secondary color created by mixing red and yellow together. It's a warm, energetic color that sits between red and yellow on the color wheel. Orange is associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and autumn.
How to Make Orange
Red
Yellow
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Equal parts red and yellow create a true, balanced orange.
Red
Yellow
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More red than yellow creates red-orange and vermillion.
Orange
White
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Adding white creates peach and apricot shades.
Orange
Black
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Adding black creates burnt orange and rust colors.
Color Theory: Understanding Orange
Orange is produced when red and yellow pigments combine in subtractive color mixing. The warmth and vibrancy of orange depend on which reds and yellows you use. Cadmium red and cadmium yellow create brilliant oranges, while earth tones create more muted versions.
Shades & Variations of Orange
Peach
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Orange with lots of white
Burnt Orange
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Orange with black or brown
Coral
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Orange with pink
Tangerine
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Bright orange with a touch of yellow
Rust
#B7410E
Orange with brown and red
Amber
#FFBF00
Orange with extra yellow
Apricot
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Orange with white and a hint of pink
Pumpkin
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Bright orange with red undertone
Terracotta
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Orange with brown and earth tones
Copper
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Orange with brown and a metallic quality
Persimmon
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Vivid red-orange
Mango
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Orange with yellow and a touch of red
Pro Tips for Mixing Orange
- Use warm reds for vibrant oranges; cool reds create muddy results
- Cadmium yellow and cadmium red create the most vivid oranges
- Orange and blue are complementary colors—they create great contrast
- Add a tiny bit of blue to orange to create brown and earth tones