LAB Colors

LAB color is a way to describe and measure colors based on how people actually see them, making it useful for accurate color correction and design across different devices and print systems.​

What is LAB Color?

LAB color (also called CIELAB) was created to reflect how colors appear to our eyes instead of just how they look on screens or printed materials. Every LAB color has three values:

• L stands for "Lightness," from black (0) to white (100).

• a shows the color's position between red (+) and green (-).

• b shows the color's position between yellow (+) and blue (-).​

Why is LAB Special?

LAB color space is "device independent," meaning the values always mean the same thing regardless of what screen or printer you use. This makes it popular for jobs that need perfect color matching—like branding, product packaging, or professional photo editing.​

• LAB includes all the colors humans can see, more than RGB or CMYK.

• It separates lightness (L) from color information (a and b), so you can change brightness without affecting the color itself.

Typical Uses of LAB Color

• Printing and graphic design: Ensures consistent color across different printers and papers.

• Photography and editing: Fix color or brightness without distorting the whole image.

• Color measurement: Used in labs and industries to compare, match, and control colors with high accuracy.​

How does LAB differ from other color spaces?

Unlike RGB or CMYK—which depend on each device—LAB works as a universal color language. This ensures your ideas and products look the same everywhere, even if you switch between devices or printing methods.​

LAB color makes accurate color communication possible, since its values always mean exactly the same shade and brightness. Whether you’re designing art, printing packages, or matching paint colors, LAB is the tool that bridges the gap between human vision and technology.