Learn Color Theory Online for Free

A 5-Part Course: The Phenomenon of Color

Master the science, communication, and evaluation of color.
This free online course is ideal for beginners and professionals—colorists, designers, color managers, and anyone passionate about color precision.

Start the course now

Session 1: Introduction to Color Science (12:08)

What is color, and why does it matter?

Explore the fundamental concepts that define color and its significance in our world. Learn how color is perceived through the interplay of light, objects, and observers, and understand how these elements shape our ability to communicate and work with color.

Session 2: Introduction to Color Communication (15:24)

How do we digitize and standardize color?

Explore the mechanisms behind light-object interactions, color temperatures, and the standard human observer. Understand how technology captures and represents color in a consistent and reliable way.

Session 3: Color Coordinates (16:59)

The roadmap of color science.

Gain an understanding of the mathematics and models behind color through topics like tristimulus calculations, chromaticity diagrams, and color spaces. Master these tools to accurately pinpoint and work with color in any application.

Session 4: Color Tolerances (11:25)

What defines acceptable color?

Learn the science of setting and measuring tolerances, including CMC equations, AI tolerances, and the assessment of whiteness. This session will empower you to establish clear and consistent standards for color accuracy.

Session 5: Visual and Instrumental Evaluation (15:46)

Bridging perception and precision.

Explore the factors that influence color evaluation, from human perception to technological tools. Learn about instrument choices, sources of error, and best practices for achieving reliable and reproducible results.

Ready to get started?

What You’ll Learn

  • How we perceive, standardize, and communicate color
  • Key concepts in color theory and color science
  • Tools and techniques for accurate color measurement and evaluation
  • Defining tolerances and understanding color spaces
  • Visual and instrumental methods for evaluating color accuracy