Color temperature
How warm (orange) or cool (blue) a white light looks, measured in kelvin.
Also called kelvin, white point
Color temperature describes the color of white light. Candlelight is around 1,900 K and looks orange; daylight is around 6,500 K and looks neutral to slightly blue.
Screens and cameras use a white point (often D65, about 6,500 K) as their reference white.
Guides that cover Color temperature
- Neutrals Understanding Neutral Colors Neutral colors explained: warm, cool and balanced grays, beiges and muted tones, plus how to build a neutral color palette for rooms, brands and UI.
- Screens Why Colors Look Different on Every Screen Why do colors look different on different screens? Learn how color gamut, calibration and color profiles change what you see, and how to fix it. Read on.
- Light How Light Affects Color How light affects color: learn how light sources, reflection and surroundings change the colors we see, and why paint looks different at home. Read now.
- Warm & Cool What Is Color Temperature? Color temperature explained: how Kelvin is measured, warm vs cool light and colors, and how temperature affects lighting, design and photos. Read the guide.