This paper presents the view that a fundamental understanding of the color infrared (CIR) format in remote sensing is the key to understanding all false color formats. Teaching approaches, demonstration equipment, sample images, and student handouts are given to show how this ‘understanding’ is accomplished in the classroom for a university introductory level principles of remote sensing course. The article is divided into three parts; part I deals with how to demonstrate additive color mixing and how to connect color theory with basic CIR signatures; part II shows how ground‐based normal color/CIR photographic pairs can strengthen student understanding of CIR signatures; and part III introduces a universal color truth table for use with CIR and any other false color satellite image composite. An example is given to show how adding spatial context (in the form of hillshading derived from a digital elevation model) into the false color composite will improve the student's signature comprehension ability. A brief discussion of lab exercises, including station‐to station image identification/interpretation problems and an aerial photography field trip conclude, the article.