Key Features
Multiple Color Formats
Supports HEX, RGB, RGBA, HSL, HSLA, HSV, CMYK, and HWB formats. Convert between any color space with instant updates and copy values with one click.
Color Harmony Generator
Generate 7 types of color harmonies based on color theory: complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, split-complementary, square, and monochromatic schemes.
WCAG Contrast Checker
Test text readability with built-in WCAG 2.1 compliance checking. Ensure your designs meet AA and AAA accessibility standards for all users.
Color Manipulation Tools
Lighten, darken, saturate, desaturate, invert, convert to grayscale, or find complementary colors. Perfect for creating color variations.
Save Color Palettes
Save your favorite colors locally in your browser. Build and manage color palettes for your projects with persistent storage.
Random Color Generation
Generate random colors instantly for design inspiration. Great for exploring new color combinations and breaking creative blocks.
Understanding Color Models
Different color models serve different purposes in design and development. Understanding when to use each format helps you work more efficiently and communicate color values accurately across different mediums.
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
The additive color model used by digital screens.
- • Values: 0-255 for each channel
- • Format: rgb(255, 128, 0)
- • Best for: Web design, digital displays
- • How it works: Combines red, green, and blue light
HEX (Hexadecimal)
RGB colors represented in hexadecimal notation.
- • Format: #RRGGBB (e.g., #FF8000)
- • Short form: #RGB (e.g., #F80)
- • Best for: CSS, HTML, web development
- • Most common format for web colors
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)
Human-friendly color model based on perception.
- • Hue: 0-360° (color wheel position)
- • Saturation: 0-100% (color intensity)
- • Lightness: 0-100% (black to white)
- • Best for: Creating color variations, design
HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value)
Alternative to HSL with different lightness calculation.
- • Hue: 0-360° (color wheel position)
- • Saturation: 0-100% (color purity)
- • Value: 0-100% (brightness)
- • Best for: Color pickers, image editing
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Subtractive color model for printing.
- • Values: 0-100% for each ink
- • Format: cmyk(0%, 50%, 100%, 0%)
- • Best for: Print design, offset printing
- • Colors subtract from white paper
HWB (Hue, Whiteness, Blackness)
CSS4 color model for easier color manipulation.
- • Hue: 0-360° (base color)
- • Whiteness: 0-100% (white mixed in)
- • Blackness: 0-100% (black mixed in)
- • Best for: Tints and shades generation
HEX vs RGB vs HSL: When to Use Each
Use HEX When:
- ✓Writing CSS/HTML: HEX is the most compact format and widely recognized by developers. Example:
color: #3B82F6; - ✓Sharing colors: HEX values are easy to copy, share, and remember (e.g., #FF0000 for red).
- ✓Solid colors only: HEX doesn't support transparency (though #RRGGBBAA exists, it's less common).
Use RGB/RGBA When:
- ✓Transparency needed: RGBA allows you to set alpha/opacity from 0 (invisible) to 1 (opaque). Example:
rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.5) - ✓JavaScript manipulation: RGB values (0-255) are easier to calculate and manipulate programmatically.
- ✓Canvas/WebGL: Most graphics APIs work with RGB values natively.
Use HSL/HSLA When:
- ✓Creating color variations: Easily create lighter/darker versions by adjusting lightness, or more/less saturated by adjusting saturation.
- ✓Design systems: HSL makes it intuitive to maintain consistent color relationships across a palette.
- ✓Color harmonies: Color theory is based on hue relationships, making HSL perfect for generating harmonious color schemes.
- ✓CSS animations: Animating hue creates smooth color transitions along the color wheel.
Quick Comparison Example
All three formats can represent the same color. Here's blue (#3B82F6) in each format:
- • HEX: #3B82F6
- • RGB: rgb(59, 130, 246)
- • HSL: hsl(217, 91%, 60%)
To make it 50% transparent, you need RGBA or HSLA:
- • RGBA: rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.5)
- • HSLA: hsla(217, 91%, 60%, 0.5)
Color Theory and Harmonies
Complementary Colors
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (180° apart). Creates high contrast and vibrant looks. Best for: Call-to-action buttons, creating visual interest.
Analogous Colors
Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart). Creates harmonious, calming designs. Best for: Backgrounds, natural color transitions, cohesive branding.
Triadic Colors
Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel (120° apart). Vibrant and balanced. Best for: Logos, illustrations, diverse but unified designs.
Monochromatic Colors
Same hue with varying lightness and saturation. Creates cohesive, elegant designs. Best for: Minimalist interfaces, professional branding, consistent hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
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