What Colors Make Purple?
Learn how to mix and create different shades of purple
Purple is a secondary color created by mixing red and blue together. The exact shade of purple depends on the ratio of red to blue and the specific hues you use. Purple sits between red and blue on the color wheel and has been historically associated with royalty and luxury.
How to Make Purple
Red
Blue
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Equal parts red and blue create a balanced purple. This is the classic way to make purple.
Purple
White
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Adding white to purple creates lavender and lilac shades.
Red
Blue
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More red than blue creates magenta or red-purple shades.
Red
Blue
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More blue than red creates violet or blue-purple shades.
Color Theory: Understanding Purple
Purple is created when red and blue pigments are combined in subtractive color mixing. The resulting hue depends on which red and blue you use—a warm red creates a warmer purple, while a cool blue-leaning red creates a more violet purple. In light (additive mixing), magenta and blue create purple tones.
Shades & Variations of Purple
Lavender
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Purple with lots of white
Violet
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More blue than red in the mix
Plum
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Purple with a touch of black
Magenta
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More red than blue
Orchid
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Purple with pink and white
Grape
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Deep purple with extra blue
Lilac
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Purple with white and a touch of gray
Mauve
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Purple with white and pink undertone
Amethyst
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Balanced purple with medium saturation
Indigo
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Deep purple with more blue than red
Eggplant
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Purple with brown and black
Wisteria
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Soft purple with gray and white
Pro Tips for Mixing Purple
- Use a cool red (like crimson) for truer purples; warm reds create muddy browns
- Ultramarine blue creates rich purples, while phthalo blue creates vibrant violets
- Add white gradually—purple becomes pastel quickly
- Purple pairs beautifully with yellow, its complementary color