Graphics >
Color Basics > Using Color in Documents
Why use it?
Only a few short years ago the use of color was limited
to higher end publications, and companies that could
afford to step out there and absorb the costs. Today,
that’s not
necessarily the case. We have software that allows
us to develop exceptional illustrations
and graphics in color, and affordable color printing
capabilities for output.
No color has the direct contrast value of black and white.
Using
color in a document is important both for the appearance of the document
in general, and as a means to enhance
the information
and readability and thus encourage the reader’s interest. We can
code information via colors, e.g., red means stop or
danger, green = go, gold = wealth.
Conversely, if used incorrectly, colors can confuse
and befuddle the reader, actually hinder understanding
of important information by diverting the reader’s attention. The
more colors used, the less the impact of each. Be judicious in how much
of what color you use
to avoid a kaleidoscope or carnival appearance. Keep
in mind no color has the direct contrast value of black and white, and
that the comprehensibility
of any text increases as the color gets closer to black.
So, in documentation color is used to:
