Maize
Maize (#F4D054) is a very light, moderately saturated yellow with a warm feel. It has a hue angle of 47° and a lightness of 87%. Its moderate saturation keeps it lively without shouting.
About this color
What Maize looks like, feels like and where it works.
Description
Maize (#F4D054) is a very light, moderately saturated yellow with a warm feel. It has a hue angle of 47° and a lightness of 87%. Its moderate saturation keeps it lively without shouting.
Psychology
Yellow is the brightest hue and the quickest to attract the eye. It feels cheerful and hopeful, but bright yellows tire the eye in large areas and need dark partners for text. As a light shade, Maize feels airy and gentle.
Meaning
Yellow means sunshine and joy, and also caution: it is the color of warning signs and taxis because it is seen from far away. Muted golds suggest warmth and value.
Why use this color
Maize is an easy supporting color. Dark text is easy to read on it, so it works as a surface, highlight or card background. Pair it with its tints and shades for a complete scale.
Applications
- Highlights, badges and notices
- Travel and education
- Warning and caution signs
- Accents on dark backgrounds
History
Early yellows were ochre and orpiment, an arsenic sulfide. Chrome yellow, introduced in the early 1800s, became famous in Van Gogh's sunflowers.
Accessibility
White text on Maize has a contrast ratio of 1.50:1 (fails); black text has 13.99:1 (AAA). WCAG AA needs 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text and interface parts. Do not rely on color alone to carry meaning: pair it with text, an icon or a pattern.
Variations of Maize
Tailwind-style scale
Color harmonies of Maize
Want to explore these on a wheel? Open the color wheel.
Color blindness simulator
These are approximations to help you check that meaning never depends on color alone. Real vision varies from person to person.