Value is not color. Value is also not contrast, which is a separate principle of design. Contrast can be found in any element—texture, shape, size/scale, space, color, line or value—which is why it is a principle, not an element. Value is the tone of a color; it has more to do with dark and light […]
Tag Archives: value
Stand Out from the Crowd
When something is important in a layout, be it for a brochure or a website, you want it to stand out. But how do you do that?
Contrast is the Key
Contrast can come in many forms. Most people think of contrast in terms of light and dark, white vs. black. But that’s only one way contrast can be […]
Add Value to Your Design
Not consciously taking control of the element of value to your designs is like using a flashlight at noon. Its full potential is utterly wasted!
What is Value?
Value is the relative lightness or darkness of an object. It is the difference between shadow and highlight, and all the midtones in between. Value is not the same as color, though value can be used to “color” an image. Black and white photography is a perfect example. It’s not any less appealing because there is no color!


