Dark orange is a rich, warm color that conjures images of autumn leaves, jack-o’-lanterns, and sunsets. But what exactly is the RGB code that produces this vibrant hue on digital displays? This article will explore the technical specifics behind dark orange and provide the precise RGB values needed to create it.
Defining Dark Orange
First, let’s define what we mean by “dark orange.” Orange is a secondary color made by mixing red and yellow. The specific shade of orange depends on the proportion of red and yellow used. Dark orange contains more red than regular orange, making it less bright and more muted.
There’s no single, universally agreed upon dark orange. It sits somewhere between red-orange and brown-orange on the color wheel. Compared to standard orange, it has higher values for red and lower values for green and blue in its RGB code (which we’ll get to shortly).
In general, dark orange is associated with the following hex color codes:
| Hex Code | Color |
|---|---|
| #CC5500 | Dark orange |
| #FF8C00 | Dark orange |
| #FFA500 | Orange |
As you can see, dark orange sits between the brighter #FFA500 orange and deeper #CC5500 red-orange. There’s some flexibility in the exact hue that qualifies as dark orange.
The RGB Color Model
To understand how to make dark orange on a computer or phone screen, we need to talk about RGB color. RGB stands for the three primary colors used in light emitting displays: red, green, and blue.
By combining varying intensities of these three colors, any hue can be reproduced on a screen. RGB values are specified with numbers between 0-255 for each color channel. 0 means none of that color, while 255 is maximum intensity.
For example, here are some common RGB values:
| Color | Red | Green | Blue |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 255 | 255 | 255 |
| Black | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Red | 255 | 0 | 0 |
| Lime | 0 | 255 | 0 |
| Blue | 0 | 0 | 255 |
By mixing different intensities of red, green, and blue light, any color can be represented digitally.
RGB Values for Dark Orange
Keeping RGB color theory in mind, how can we make dark orange specifically? Being a reddish shade, dark orange requires high amounts of red. But it also needs some green and blue mixed in to tone down the brightness.
There are a few common RGB variants used for dark orange:
| Red | Green | Blue |
|---|---|---|
| 192 | 75 | 0 |
| 204 | 85 | 0 |
| 255 | 140 | 0 |
The top value of (192, 75, 0) produces a very deep, reddish orange. The middle (204, 85, 0) is still distinctly orange but lighter than the first. Finally, (255, 140, 0) gets into brighter orange territory while still retaining some darkness.
For a distinctly dark orange, but not too red, something like (200, 100, 0) or (210, 95, 0) works well. The exact numbers can be tweaked to your particular preference.
Viewing Dark Orange RGB in Code
We’ve talked theoretically about dark orange RGB values. But what does it look like in actual code? Here are some ways to view live dark orange colors.
HTML/CSS
In HTML/CSS code, hex codes are used rather than RGB. But we can convert RGB to hex easily to generate dark orange.
For example, the RGB value (192, 75, 0) converts to the hex code #C04B00. To view it on a webpage, the CSS could be written as:
<style>
.dark-orange {
background-color: #C04B00;
}
</style>
<div class="dark-orange">
Dark orange box
</div>
This would display a box with the dark orange background.
Python
In Python, we can print RGB values and specify the color using ANSI escape codes:
r = 192
g = 75
b = 0
print("\033[38;2;" + str(r) + ";" + str(g) + ";" + str(b) + "m" + "I am dark orange text!" + "\033[0m")
This will output the text in dark orange.
JavaScript
Similarly in JavaScript:
const r = 192;
const g = 75;
const b = 0;
console.log("\x1b[38;2;" + r + ";" + g + ";" + b + "m" + "I am dark orange text!" + "\x1b[0m");
The console will display the colored text.
Dark Orange in Design and Marketing
Now that we know precisely how to generate dark orange digitally, where and why is this color used in design and marketing? Here are some common applications:
- As an accent color on websites to catch people’s attention
- In advertisements and packaging for autumnal products like Halloween, fall foliage tours, and Thanksgiving items
- To represent harvests and autumn in general as darker orange evokes ripened fruit and vegetables
- To promote food products like oranges, carrots, cheddar cheese, and warm beverages
- Used sparingly to draw focus to call-to-action buttons on websites
- As part of sports team colors and branding like the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers
Dark orange works especially well alongside neutrals like white, black, gray, and brown. Used judiciously, it provides a bold pop that stands out from a neutral backdrop. Just keep in mind that large amounts can overwhelm, so use it strategically as an accent rather than primary color.
Psychology of Dark Orange
Color psychology suggests that dark orange promotes feelings of warmth, vibrance, and inspiration. It provides many of the same uplifting properties as regular orange, just in a more mellow way.
Specifically, dark orange is associated with:
- Energy
- Enthusiasm
- Transformation
- Motivation
- Success
At the same time, dark orange is gentle enough to represent:
- Approachability
- Friendliness
- Comfort
- Security
So this shade works across many contexts where vibrance and warmth are desired without being overbearing. Use it to promote motivation and creativity.
Dark Orange in Nature
Dark orange appears throughout the natural world, particularly in plants. Here are some examples where you can spot this color outdoors:
- Carrots – Carrot flesh gets its orange hue from the antioxidant beta-carotene. The darker the orange, the more beta-carotene is present.
- Persimmons – Ripe persimmons range from light orange to nearly red, passing through dark orange.
- Pumpkins – As they mature, pumpkin rinds transition from green to dark orange.
- Maple Leaves – During autumn foliage season, leaves shift from green to vivid oranges and reds.
- Monarch Butterflies – The wings of monarch butterflies contain a vibrant dark orange pattern.
Dark orange is omnipresent in fruits, vegetables, trees, and flowers, especially those associated with fall. It’s a sign of ripening and the pigments that give these organisms their nutrients and color.
Conclusion
Dark orange is a bold, inviting color that stands out while retaining warmth and approachability. On digital displays, it can be reproduced by mixing high amounts of red with lesser amounts of green and blue in the RGB color model.
Specifically, RGB codes in the range of (192, 75, 0) to (255, 140, 0) generate an impactful dark orange. Use this technical knowledge to infuse your design work with autumnal vibes and motivation.
