Color mode is an algorithm for presenting colors in digital system. Mathematically, colors are divided into multiple components for expression. Different color formation principles lead to distinct color generation ways. Devices synthesizing colors via light such as monitors, projectors and scanners differ from pigment-based printing equipment like printers and printing presses.

Common modes include RGB, CMYK, HSB, Lab, Bitmap, Grayscale, Indexed Color, Duotone and Multichannel.