The pastel yellow hue is arguably one of the most calming and neutralizing shades on the color wheel. But what makes it so satisfying? Technically, a pastel color’s made of a primary color mixed with white to adjust its pigment and saturation, creating a unique hue. Pastel yellow color is often used to add softness to a floral scheme or even denote a new beginning. In graphic design, pastel yellow or pale yellow can be used to peaceful or even romantic effect.
Read on to learn more, discover how to create pastel yellow, and explore palette ideas for any creative project.
Pastel yellow color codes
The pastel yellow color hex code is identified by the sequence #fdfd96. That makes it a pale and muted yellow-green hue. There are many pastel yellow variations on the hex color chart, but #fdfd96 is the truest shade.
Hex codes are different from Pantone colors. Hex codes are primarily used online because they’re web-safe and render consistently on digital screens. Pantone and hex codes are sometimes both used in brand style guides, however, communicating a company’s visual identity.
One of Pantone‘s colors for 2021 was the color Illuminating (#F9E547), which is described as a bright and cheery yellow.
How to make pastel yellow color
If you’re using the RGB color model, pastel yellow color is composed of 99.22% red, 99.22% green, and 58.82% blue.
If you approach color through the CMYK color model, which comprises four colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key), pastel yellow is composed of 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 40.7% yellow, and 0.8% black.
What colors go with pastel yellow?
The perfect color combinations do exist. Surprisingly, they have more to do with math and science than they do with art. Because pastel yellow is considered relatively neutral, it can be used in many combinations to add a burst of freshness or a subtle softness. Often, it’s associated with hope and sunshine, so it adds a hint of optimism to almost any design.
Complementary colors are determined by looking at the color wheel. These shades are paired by looking at the color directly across from the color you have in mind. You can also determine a complementary color by looking at triadic colors. Triadic colors are three colors equally spaced around the color wheel.
In the world of fashion, pale yellow is often paired with other pastels and even earth tones.
Complementary colors
Typically, complementary colors are on opposite sides of the color wheel. Complementary colors create a contrast between two colors yet indicate compatibility when arranged together. Read on for some of yellow’s most compatible colors.
Violet
Violet is opposite from yellow on the color wheel, making for a great pairing and complementary combination. Try this color combo for a funky aesthetic.
Pale Blue
Pairing pale yellow and baby blue evokes feelings of a perfectly blue sky and a softly shining sun. Many logos and school mascots use this color combo for a pleasing, festive look.
Soft Pink
Are you thinking of cotton candy and lemon chiffon? You’re on the right track. Put these two together for a dreamy combination.
Similar colors to pastel yellow
While you’ll find many different shades of pastel yellow in your creative pursuits, here are five go-to hues to consider. Some color names are inspired by flowers and some by fruits, but they’re all excellent options for a light yellow color palette.
Summer Daffodil (hex code #FFE078; RGB code 255, 224, 120)
This shade of yellow evokes spring and gives off an almost creamy quality that’s gentle on the eyes.
Mimosa (hex code #FFF4BC; RGB code 255, 244, 188)
Fruity and effervescent, Mimosa is defined by its resemblance to the bubbly cocktail that turns any brunch into a party. Did you know that mimosa is also a flower characterized by a cluster of fluffy puffballs? Well, now you do.
Pale Cowslip (hex code #FFE89C; RGB code 255, 232, 156)
Created by shabby chic aesthetic creator Laura Ashley, Pale Cowslip 3 works great as interior or fashion accents. It oozes spring with a gentle, calming glow.
Daisy Yellow (hex code #FAEAB7; RGB code 250, 234, 183)
While pastel yellow is inherently a soft and subtle shade, Daisy Yellow made by Devoe Paint, pushes pastel to the limit. Try it as a neutral background for your creative projects.
Calamansi (hex code #FCFFA4; RGB code 252, 255, 164)
With a hint of lime, this yellow-green option is a zesty version of pastel yellow. True to its name, a calamansi is a citrus hybrid native to the Philippines with a sweet peel and tart fruit.
Pastel yellow color palette ideas
Every creative endeavor must start with a color palette. It establishes a color scheme and keeps designers on the same page about the look and feel of the design. Read on to explore different color palettes that incorporate the creamy yellow color.
- Feeling French? Pair pastel yellow with other muted hues in shades of pale pistachio, pale pink, and pale blue for a perfectly Parisian aesthetic.
- A seaside palette is the perfect excuse to pair pastel yellow with complementary shades of sand, sea, and sky. Yellow can represent the sunrise glistening upon the calm morning ocean.
- In recent years, many wedding and interior design color palettes have focused on a combination of yellows and greys. Pair your pale yellow with a silvery shade for a subtly modern look.
Create edits using pastel yellow color
On desktop
1. Open the Desktop Editor and click on Create Design inputting the height and width valued required for your canvas.
2. Click on the Uploads tool and select the image you want to edit.
3. Enhance your design with some text. Click on the Text tool, select heading, type in your copy, and place it on the canvas.
4. Choose a suitable font to stylish your text.
5. Click on the Color Picker.
6. Input the hex code for pastel yellow.
7. Enhance the edit with stickers, adding as many as you like.
8. Finish your edits and click on the Export button to download your work.
On mobile
1. Open the Picsart app and tap on the + at the bottom of the screen.
2. Scroll down to Photos and select an image to edit.
3. Tap on the Text tool.
4. Type in the text you want to add and choose its orientation.
5. Now select a suitable font for your text.
6. Tap on the Color tool.
7. Use the RGB code to select pastel yellow.
8. Adjust the size and positioning of your text as required.
9. Tap on the Sticker tool.
10. Browse the stickers collection or use the search bar to find something specific.
11. Place your sticker on the image.
12. Add another sticker, following the steps above.
13. Confirm all changes and edits by tapping on the Apply button.
14. Tap on the download icon to save your work.
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