Color swatch image showing Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) with RGB(255,246,0) values

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) Color Meaning and Information

Everything you need to know about Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) including values, color harmonies, shades, meanings, and applications in design, branding, and everyday visuals.

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) Color Information

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) RGB value is (255, 246, 0). The hex color red value is 255, green is 246, and blue is 0. Its HSL format shows a hue of 58°, saturation of 100 percent, and lightness of 50 percent. The CMYK process values are 0 percent, 4 percent, 100 percent, 0 percent.

Cadmium Yellow
#FFF600
rgb(255, 246, 0)
ColorMean
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Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) Color Meaning

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) emits radiant clarity, intellectual spark, and unshaded optimism. Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) approaches the visual threshold of white light while retaining chromatic identity—making it one of the most luminous hues in the spectrum. In printing and pigment, it serves as the gold standard for yellow due to its opacity and lightfastness. Psychologically, Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) stimulates mental activity; studies show it enhances alertness in learning environments when used in small doses. However, overuse can cause visual fatigue, demanding strategic application. Culturally, Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) bridges joy and warning. It appears in school buses, hazard vests, and sun logos—contexts where visibility equals safety or celebration. Unlike ochres or mustards, Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) carries no earthiness; it is pure solar energy. In branding, it signals innovation (think tech startups) or accessibility (public transit). Research on color and memory indicates that items tagged with Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) are recalled more frequently, likely due to its retinal prominence. Spiritually, Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) aligns with the solar plexus chakra—personal power, confidence, and will. It does not soothe; it activates. In art, it has symbolized enlightenment since Van Gogh’s sunflowers. Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) rejects ambiguity. Designers use it when the message must cut through noise instantly. Though intense, Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) remains culturally positive—representing not chaos, but focused radiance.

Color Conversion

Convert Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) across different color models and formats. These conversions help designers work seamlessly between digital and print media, ensuring this color maintains its intended appearance across RGB screens, CMYK printers, and HSL color manipulations.

HEX
#FFF600
RGB
rgb(255, 246, 0)
HSL
hsl(58°, 100%, 50%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 4%, 100%, 0%)
HSV
hsv(58°, 100%, 100%)
XYZ
74.1958 87.1715 12.9153
Yxy
87.1715 0.4257 0.5002
Hunter Lab
93.3657 -7.5155 22.5664
CIE-Lab
94.8110 -17.2531 92.7857

RGB Values & CMYK Values

RGB Values

Red255 / 255 (100%)
100%
Green246 / 255 (96%)
96%
Blue0 / 255 (0%)

CMYK Values

Cyan0 / 100 (0%)
Magenta4 / 100 (4%)
Yellow100 / 100 (100%)
100%
Key (Black)0 / 100 (0%)

Color Variations

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) harmonies come to life through carefully balanced shades, tints, and tones, giving this color depth and flexibility across light and dark variations. Shades add richness, tints bring an airy softness, and tones soften intensity, making it easy to pair in clean, modern palettes.

Color Harmonies

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) harmonies create beautiful relationships with other colors based on their position on the color wheel. Each harmony type offers unique design possibilities, enabling cohesive and visually appealing color schemes.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart)

Complementary

Colors opposite on the color wheel (180° apart)

Split Complementary

Three colors using one base hue and the two hues beside its opposite

Triadic

Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart)

Tetradic

Four colors forming a rectangle on the wheel

Square

Four colors evenly spaced (90° apart)

Double Split

Four colors formed from two base hues and the colors next to their opposites

Monochromatic

Variations of a single hue

Contrast Checker

(WCAG 2.1) Test Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) for accessibility compliance against white and black backgrounds. Proper contrast ensures this color remains readable and usable for all audiences, meeting WCAG 2.1 standards for both normal and large text applications.

#FFFFFF
#FFF600

Sample Text

This is how your text will look with these colors.

Large Text (18pt+)

1.14:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Normal Text

1.14:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

UI Components

1.14:1
WCAG AA
WCAG AAA

Color Blindness Simulator

See how #FFF600 appears to people with different types of color vision deficiencies. These simulations help create more inclusive designs that consider how this color is perceived across various visual abilities.

Normal Vision

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600)

protanopia

#fbfb3c

Note: These simulations are approximations. Actual color vision deficiency varies by individual.

CSS Examples

Background Color

background-color: #FFF600;

Text Color

color: #FFF600;

Sample Text

Border Color

border: 2px solid #FFF600;

Box Shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px #FFF60040;

Text Shadow

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px #FFF600;

Sample Text

Gradient

background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FFF600 0%, #979200 100%);

Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) Color FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Cadmium Yellow (#FFF600) color meaning, symbolism, and applications. Click on any question to expand detailed answers.