Lime
#00FF00
Color Values
Color Meaning
Lime represents freshness, energy, and growth. It's associated with youth, vitality, and new beginnings. Lime is an invigorating color that stimulates the senses.
Learn more on WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions About Lime
What two colors make lime?
Lime is made by mixing yellow and green, with more yellow than green. A typical ratio is 2 parts yellow to 1 part green. The result is a bright, yellow-green color.
How do you make light lime?
Light lime is made by mixing lime with white, or by mixing yellow with green and more white than yellow. The result is a soft, pastel yellow-green.
What colors make dark lime?
Dark lime is made by mixing yellow and green with a small amount of black, or by adding a tiny bit of blue to deepen the color. The result is a rich, deep yellow-green.
The History of Lime
Lime green as a distinct color name emerged in the 20th century, derived from the citrus fruit. However, vivid yellow-greens have appeared in art history under various names — 'absinthe green' in the 19th century (named after the potent anise liqueur whose color came from wormwood and other herbs), and 'chartreuse' for the liqueur-inspired shade. The fluorescent lime green that became culturally iconic in the 1960s–70s was made possible by new synthetic fluorescent pigments and dyes developed in the 1940s–50s, which reflected ultraviolet light to create colors more vivid than anything in nature. Safety lime (ANSI yellow-green) was adopted as a high-visibility safety color by OSHA and international standards organizations from the 1970s onward, making it ubiquitous on safety vests, signage, and equipment.
Cultural Significance
Lime green's cultural associations are firmly rooted in modernity and energy. In the 1960s counterculture, acid lime greens were part of the psychedelic visual vocabulary alongside hot pinks and electric blues. In the 1990s, lime experienced a major revival in rave culture and early internet design — neon green on black was a defining aesthetic of the early web. In sports, lime green (often called 'neon' or 'volt' green) became associated with high-performance athletic brands: Nike's use of 'Volt' yellow-green in running shoes and sportswear made it a global symbol of athletic speed. In safety culture, high-visibility lime-yellow (retroreflective) is worn by construction workers, cyclists, and emergency responders worldwide as the internationally recognized high-visibility standard.
Color Psychology
Lime green is one of the most stimulating colors in the visible spectrum — its high luminosity and yellow-green position in the spectrum maximize visibility and trigger immediate alertness. Research confirms that safety lime-yellow is the most visible color to the human eye in daylight conditions, explaining its adoption for high-visibility safety wear. In smaller doses, lime green communicates freshness, youth, and unconventional energy. It is strongly associated with the natural world (new spring growth, citrus), but its neon varieties feel entirely synthetic and artificial. In branding, lime communicates forward-thinking, disruption, and youthful energy — used by brands targeting younger demographics who want to signal distinctiveness.
Design Tips for Lime
Lime green is a high-intensity color that demands careful proportioning. Use it as an accent against dark navy, black, or deep gray for maximum electric impact — this combination is popular in gaming, sports, and tech brands. For a more natural feel, pair muted lime (#84CC16) with warm beige and brown for a fresh organic palette. Avoid pairing lime with yellow or light green — the similarity creates visual noise. In accessibility, lime green on white has excellent contrast if sufficiently dark (#4D7C0F is WCAG AA compliant); however, neon limes (#BFFF00) on white fail contrast completely. For UI design, small lime highlights (badges, indicators, active states) inject energy into neutral interfaces. In print, fluorescent lime cannot be reproduced in standard CMYK — a Pantone spot color is required.