Yellow is a primary color in the subtractive color system used in painting and pigments, meaning it cannot be made by mixing other paint colors. In traditional painting, yellow pigment is fundamental and must be used as is to produce yellow hues

. However, in the additive color system used for digital screens (like TVs and computer monitors), yellow is created by combining red and green light at equal intensities. This mixing of light colors results in the perception of yellow on digital displays

. Biologically, many yellow colors in nature come from pigments called carotenoids, which absorb light and protect plants. These pigments give yellow to things like autumn leaves, bananas, egg yolks, and daffodils

. In summary:

• In painting and pigments: Yellow is a primary color and cannot be made by mixing other colors.
• In digital light (additive color mixing): Yellow is made by mixing red and green light.
• In nature: Yellow color often comes from carotenoid pigments.

This explains what "makes yellow" depending on the context—pigments, light, or natural sources