In theory, any triple of independent colors can be used to decompose a colorspace. However, in practice, colorspaces created by two different sets of primaries are not identical. Typically, there is a part of the color range of one space that cannot be reproduced by the other. The best choice of primaries usually depends on the type of physical device used to create the color. It is the physical way colors are combined that explains the two spaces.
Monitors emit light, whereas inks only reflect light.
When we shine a white light on ink, what we see is the color component of the white light that is reflected and not absorbed by the ink. Knowing about colorspaces is important in the GIMP for several reasons. To effectively correct color in an image requires some notions about how colors interact. Furthermore, looking at different color components of an image can often be quite useful for making selections and masks. This chapter is composed of two main parts.