Color Converter

HEX (hexadecimal) is a 6-digit code starting with # that represents RGB values in base-16. For example, #FF5733 means Red=FF (255), Green=57 (87), Blue=33 (51). It's popular because it's compact, easy to copy-paste, and universally supported in HTML/CSS. The first two digits control red, middle two control green, and last two control blue. You can also use 3-digit shorthand like #F53 which expands to #FF5533.

RGB and HEX represent the same thing — they're just different notation systems. RGB uses decimal numbers (0–255) like rgb(255, 87, 51), while HEX uses hexadecimal (00–FF) like #FF5733. RGB is more human-readable with separate channels, while HEX is more compact. RGB supports alpha transparency with rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5), whereas HEX requires an 8-digit format #FF5733CC for transparency.

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is superior for color manipulation and creating color schemes. To make a color lighter, just increase the lightness value. To desaturate, lower the saturation. RGB requires changing all three channels which makes color relationships harder to reason about. HSL is intuitive for designers: hue (0–360°) is the color wheel position, saturation (0–100%) is color intensity, and lightness (0–100%) is brightness.

OKLCH is a modern perceptually uniform color space supported in CSS since 2023. Unlike HSL where 50% lightness looks visually different for blue vs yellow, OKLCH ensures consistent perceived brightness across all hues. This makes it perfect for generating accessible color scales. The format is oklch(L C H) — L is lightness (0–100%), C is chroma (0–0.4), H is hue (0–360°). Supported in Chrome 111+, Safari 15+, and Firefox 113+.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the color model for printing. While screens use additive RGB (light mixing), printers use subtractive CMYK (ink mixing). When designing business cards, brochures, or packaging, you need CMYK values. CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB, so vibrant screen colors may look duller in print. Always convert and check CMYK before sending to print.

Our Pantone matcher finds the closest Pantone Solid Coated color using the Delta E (ΔE) color difference algorithm — the industry standard for measuring perceptual color differences. A ΔE below 1 is imperceptible, below 3 is acceptable for most uses. However, screen colors (RGB) can never perfectly match physical Pantone swatches due to different color spaces and viewing conditions. Always reference physical Pantone books for final print decisions.

For maximum flexibility, store colors as OKLCH or HSL in CSS custom properties. This allows easy manipulation — you can adjust just lightness for hover states without recalculating the entire color. Example: --primary: oklch(60% 0.15 260); then use relative color syntax for variations. Avoid storing as HEX since you can't manipulate individual channels directly in CSS.

HEX, RGB, and HSL have universal browser support. OKLCH requires modern browsers (Chrome 111+, Safari 15+, Firefox 113+). CMYK is not a CSS format — it's only for print software. For transparency, use rgba(), hsla(), 8-digit HEX (#RRGGBBAA), or OKLCH's slash syntax oklch(60% 0.15 260 / 0.5). Always provide fallbacks when using newer color spaces in production.