Color Picker
Free online color picker and converter. Pick colors and convert between HEX, RGB, HSL and CMYK formats instantly. Copy values with one click.
Understanding Color Formats
Colors in digital design can be expressed in multiple formats, each serving different purposes. HEX is commonly used in web design, RGB is used in digital displays, HSL is intuitive for designers, and CMYK is essential for print design. This color picker converts instantly between all formats.
HEX Color Format
HEX (hexadecimal) color codes are 6-digit codes preceded by a hash (#) that represent colors in web design and development. Each pair of digits represents the intensity of Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) values, ranging from 00 (lowest) to FF (highest). For example, #FF0000 is pure red, #00FF00 is green, and #0000FF is blue.
RGB Color Format
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. In this format, each color component has a value from 0 to 255, where 0 means no intensity and 255 means full intensity. RGB(255, 0, 0) represents pure red, RGB(0, 255, 0) is green, and RGB(0, 0, 255) is blue. This format is widely used in digital displays and web design.
HSL Color Format
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. Hue is the color itself (0-360 degrees on a color wheel), Saturation is the intensity or purity of the color (0-100%), and Lightness is the brightness (0-100%, where 50% is normal). HSL is intuitive for designers as it directly represents how we perceive colors.
CMYK Color Format
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key). This is a subtractive color model used in print design and printing. Unlike RGB (additive), CMYK works by subtracting light from white paper. Understanding CMYK is essential for anyone designing materials for print.
Useful Color Relationships
- Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel. They create high contrast and vibrant combinations.
- Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel. They create harmonious, pleasing combinations.
- Lighter and Darker Variants: Quick light and dark versions help when testing buttons, backgrounds, hover states, and readable contrast.
Choosing Colors for Design
When selecting colors, consider your brand identity, target audience, and cultural associations. Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) evoke energy and passion, while cool colors (blue, green, purple) suggest calmness and trust. Neutral colors (gray, brown, black) provide balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEX color?
HEX (hexadecimal) color is a 6-digit code that represents a color in web design. It uses numbers 0-9 and letters A-F to specify red, green, and blue (RGB) values. For example, #FF0000 is red.
How do I convert RGB to HEX?
To convert RGB to HEX, convert each RGB value (0-255) to hexadecimal (0-FF) and combine them. For example, RGB(255, 0, 0) = #FF0000. This calculator does it automatically.
What is HSL?
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. It's an alternative way to specify colors. Hue is the color (0-360°), Saturation is intensity (0-100%), and Lightness is brightness (0-100%).
When should I use CMYK instead of RGB?
Use CMYK when designing for print (brochures, business cards, posters). Use RGB for digital media (websites, apps, screens). Printing CMYK-designed colors in RGB will result in color inaccuracies.