This reference is for Processing 3.0+. If you have a previous version, use the reference included with your software in the Help menu. If you see any errors or have suggestions, please let us know. If you prefer a more technical reference, visit the Processing Core Javadoc and Libraries Javadoc.

Name

color()

Examples
example pic
color c = color(255, 204, 0);  // Define color 'c'
fill(c);  // Use color variable 'c' as fill color
noStroke();  // Don't draw a stroke around shapes
rect(30, 20, 55, 55);  // Draw rectangle
example pic
color c = color(255, 204, 0);  // Define color 'c'
fill(c);  // Use color variable 'c' as fill color
noStroke();  // Don't draw a stroke around shapes
ellipse(25, 25, 80, 80);  // Draw left circle

// Using only one value with color()
// generates a grayscale value.
c = color(65);  // Update 'c' with grayscale value
fill(c);  // Use updated 'c' as fill color
ellipse(75, 75, 80, 80);  // Draw right circle
example pic
color c;  // Declare color 'c'
noStroke();  // Don't draw a stroke around shapes

// If no colorMode is specified, then the
// default of RGB with scale of 0-255 is used.
c = color(50, 55, 100);  // Create a color for 'c'
fill(c);  // Use color variable 'c' as fill color
rect(0, 10, 45, 80);  // Draw left rect

colorMode(HSB, 100);  // Use HSB with scale of 0-100
c = color(50, 55, 100);  // Update 'c' with new color
fill(c);  // Use updated 'c' as fill color
rect(55, 10, 45, 80);  // Draw right rect
Description Creates colors for storing in variables of the color datatype. The parameters are interpreted as RGB or HSB values depending on the current colorMode(). The default mode is RGB values from 0 to 255 and, therefore, color(255, 204, 0) will return a bright yellow color (see the first example above).

Note that if only one value is provided to color(), it will be interpreted as a grayscale value. Add a second value, and it will be used for alpha transparency. When three values are specified, they are interpreted as either RGB or HSB values. Adding a fourth value applies alpha transparency.

Note that when using hexadecimal notation, it is not necessary to use color(), as in: color c = #006699

More about how colors are stored can be found in the reference for the color datatype.
Syntax
color(gray)
color(gray, alpha)
color(v1, v2, v3)
color(v1, v2, v3, alpha)
Parameters
gray int: number specifying value between white and black
alpha float, or int: relative to current color range
v1 float, or int: red or hue values relative to the current color range
v2 float, or int: green or saturation values relative to the current color range
v3 float, or int: blue or brightness values relative to the current color range
Returnsint
RelatedcolorMode()
Updated on January 21, 2019 10:05:11am EST

Creative Commons License