Color Theory Basics for Image Editing — Hue, Saturation, and Lightness

The HSL Color Model

Understanding HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) makes image editing intuitive:

Hue (0-360 degrees)

The pure color on the color wheel:

• 0/360 = Red
• 60 = Yellow
• 120 = Green
• 180 = Cyan
• 240 = Blue
• 300 = Magenta

Saturation (0-100%)

How vivid or muted the color is:

• 0% = Gray (no color)
• 50% = Muted/pastel
• 100% = Pure, vivid color

Lightness (0-100%)

How light or dark:

• 0% = Black
• 50% = Pure color
• 100% = White

Practical Editing Decisions

Making Photos Warmer

Shift hue slightly toward yellow/orange, increase saturation by 5-10%.

Making Photos Cooler

Shift hue slightly toward blue, decrease saturation slightly.

Creating Vintage Look

Decrease saturation 20-30%, add slight sepia warmth, reduce contrast.

Creating High-Impact Images

Increase saturation 10-20%, increase contrast, boost clarity.

Color Harmony

When adding text, borders, or overlays to images, use complementary colors:

• Red image → Green or cyan text
• Blue image → Orange or yellow text
• Green image → Magenta or red text

Or use analogous colors (neighbors on the color wheel) for a cohesive, subtle look.