Color Inverter DocsThe Principle of Color Inversion
An explanation of how digital color inversion works.
The Principle of Color Inversion
Color inversion is a display accessibility feature that reverses the colors on a screen. Light colors become dark, and dark colors become light. This can reduce eye strain, improve readability for people with certain visual impairments like photophobia (light sensitivity), and enhance visibility in low-light environments.
How It Works: The RGB Color Model
Digital colors are most commonly represented using the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model. In this model, every color is a combination of red, green, and blue light, with each component having an intensity value.
Color Representation
In a standard 24-bit color system (True Color), each of the R, G, and B components is represented by an 8-bit number, ranging from 0 to 255.
- 0 represents the minimum intensity (no light).
- 255 represents the maximum intensity (full light).
The Inversion Formula
To invert a color, the value of each of its RGB components is subtracted from the maximum value, which is 255. The formula is simple:
New Red = 255 - Old RedNew Green = 255 - Old GreenNew Blue = 255 - Old Blue
Examples and Interactive Demonstration
Let's see how this formula applies in practice. The tabs below show the inversion of several basic colors.
To see this principle in action across the entire color spectrum, explore the interactive color wheel below. Each slice is positioned directly across from its inverted color.
Hover over any color to instantly see its inverse highlighted on the opposite side.
The Consequence: Hue Shift
As the examples demonstrate, color inversion does more than just alter brightness—it causes a fundamental hue shift. This is because the inversion formula transforms every color into its complementary color, the color found directly opposite it on the color wheel.
For instance, a vibrant Red (250, 0, 0) becomes its exact complement, Cyan (5, 255, 255).
This predictable shift is why inverted interfaces have such a radically different color palette. It also explains why some systems offer a "Smart Inversion" feature, which is designed to preserve the original hue of images and media while still inverting the surrounding user interface for readability.