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Definition
A color space defines the range (gamut) of colors that can be represented in an image. Common color spaces include sRGB (standard for web), Adobe RGB (wider gamut for print), and Display P3 (used by Apple devices). Choosing the right color space affects how colors appear across devices.
A color space is a mathematical model that maps numbers to specific colors. sRGB, created by HP and Microsoft in 1996, is the standard for the web and most consumer displays. It covers about 35% of visible colors and ensures consistent color rendering across different screens and browsers.
Adobe RGB has a wider gamut covering about 50% of visible colors, particularly in the cyan-green range. It is commonly used in professional photography and print workflows where richer greens and blues are needed. Display P3, developed by Apple, covers about 25% more colors than sRGB and is used on modern iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Using the wrong color space can cause colors to appear washed out or oversaturated. An image edited in Adobe RGB and viewed without color management on a standard monitor will look desaturated. For web content, sRGB is the safe default. For print, Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB preserves more color information through the editing pipeline. Modern web standards and browsers are adding support for wide-gamut color spaces through CSS Color Level 4.