Use Scarlet as a Power Color in Publications

Scarlet is a power color useful for emphasis in website design

Scarlet is a shade of red with hints of orange. It's the color of flames.

The color scarlet falls between red and orange and is traditionally a bit on the orange side. Scarlet is sometimes considered a shade of crimson, although crimson is redder. Scarlet is a warm color that carries the symbolism of red as a power color. It is closely associated with academics, theology, and the military, especially formal occasions and tradition. In publications and on web pages, the color scarlet attracts attention when used sparingly.

Scarlet ibis
Scarlet ibis. Jorge Moyeja/ Wikimedia

Using Scarlet Color in Design Files

When you plan a design project that will print in ink on paper, use CMYK formulations for scarlet in your page layout software or select a Pantone spot color. For display on a computer monitor, use RGB values. Use Hex codes when working with HTML, CSS, and SVG. Shades of scarlet and colors in the scarlet range include:

  • Scarlet: Hex #ff2400 | RGB 255,36,0 | CMYK 0,86,100,0
  • Scarlet (formerly Crayola Torch Red): Hex #fd0e35 | RGB 253,14,53 | CMYK 0,94,79,1
  • Medium Scarlet (Web color firebrick): Hex #b22222 | RGB 178,34,34 | CMYK 0,81,81,30
  • Orange Red (Web color orangered): Hex #ff4500 | 255,69,0 | CMYK 0,73,100,0

Choosing Pantone Colors Closest to Scarlet

When working with printed pieces, sometimes a solid color scarlet, rather than a CMYK mix, is a more economical choice. The Pantone Matching System is the most widely recognized spot color system. Here are the Pantone colors offering the best matches to these scarlet colors.

  • Scarlet: Pantone Solid Coated 2028 C
  • Scarlet (formerly Crayola Torch Red): Pantone Solid Coated 1788 C
  • Medium Scarlet (Web color firebrick): Pantone Solid Coated 7627 C
  • Orange-Red (Web color orangered): Pantone Solid Coated 172 C
Was this page helpful?