Color Picker & Converter
Pick colors and convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, CMYK formats with palette generation.
Color Formats
Generated Palette
What is a Color Picker & Converter?
A color picker and converter is an essential tool for designers, developers, and digital artists. It allows you to select colors visually and convert them between different color formats used in web development, graphic design, and digital media. Understanding color formats is crucial for creating consistent, accessible, and visually appealing designs.
HEX Color Format
HEX (Hexadecimal) is the most common color format in web development. It uses a 6-digit hexadecimal number preceded by a hash (#) to represent colors.
#3b82f6
Format: #RRGGBB (Red, Green, Blue in hexadecimal)
- • Used in CSS, HTML, and most web technologies
- • Each pair represents red, green, and blue values (0-255)
- • Supports 16,777,216 different colors
- • Case insensitive (#FF0000 = #ff0000)
RGB Color Format
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) represents colors using three numerical values for each primary color component.
rgb(59, 130, 246)
Format: rgb(Red, Green, Blue) - each value 0-255
- • Used in CSS and many design applications
- • Each value ranges from 0 to 255
- • Additive color model (combines light)
- • Basis for most digital color systems
HSL Color Format
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) represents colors in a more intuitive way, similar to how artists think about color.
hsl(217, 91%, 60%)
Format: hsl(Hue, Saturation%, Lightness%)
- • Hue: 0-360° (color wheel position)
- • Saturation: 0-100% (color intensity)
- • Lightness: 0-100% (brightness)
- • Great for creating color variations
CMYK Color Format
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is used primarily in print design and represents how colors are created by mixing inks.
cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%)
Format: cmyk(Cyan%, Magenta%, Yellow%, Black%)
- • Used in professional printing
- • Each value represents ink percentage (0-100%)
- • Subtractive color model (absorbs light)
- • Key (K) represents black ink
Key Features
Visual Color Picker
Interactive color picker with preset colors for quick selection and visual feedback.
Format Conversion
Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK formats with real-time updates.
Color Palette Generation
Generate monochromatic, complementary, and triadic color palettes automatically.
Accessibility Checker
Check color contrast ratios against WCAG guidelines for accessibility compliance.
One-Click Copy
Copy color values in any format with a single click for easy use in your projects.
Real-time Preview
See color changes instantly with live preview and contrast testing on different backgrounds.
Common Use Cases
Web Development
- • CSS color values for styling websites
- • Brand color consistency across projects
- • Theme color selection for applications
- • Accessibility-compliant color schemes
Graphic Design
- • Print design color preparation
- • Logo and branding color selection
- • Color palette creation for projects
- • CMYK conversion for printing
Digital Art
- • Digital painting color selection
- • Color harmony and theory application
- • Palette generation for artwork
- • Color temperature adjustments
UI/UX Design
- • Interface color scheme design
- • Accessibility compliance checking
- • User experience color optimization
- • Cross-platform color consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
RGB is an additive color model used for digital displays (screens, monitors) where colors are created by adding red, green, and blue light. CMYK is a subtractive color model used for printing where colors are created by subtracting cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks from white paper.
Why do colors look different on screen vs. print?
Screens use RGB (light-based) while printers use CMYK (ink-based). RGB can display more vibrant colors than CMYK can print. Always convert RGB colors to CMYK before printing to see how they'll actually appear on paper.
What is color contrast and why is it important?
Color contrast is the difference in brightness between text and background colors. It's crucial for accessibility - people with visual impairments need sufficient contrast to read content. WCAG guidelines recommend 4.5:1 ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
How do I create a harmonious color palette?
Use color theory principles: monochromatic (same hue, different saturation/lightness), complementary (opposite colors), triadic (three evenly spaced colors), or analogous (adjacent colors). Our tool generates these automatically based on your selected color.
What does HSL stand for and when should I use it?
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, Lightness. It's intuitive for designers because it matches how we think about color. Use HSL when you want to easily create variations of a color by adjusting saturation or lightness while keeping the same hue.
Can I use any color format in CSS?
CSS supports HEX (#ff0000), RGB (rgb(255,0,0)), HSL (hsl(0,100%,50%)), and named colors (red). HEX is most common, RGB is good for transparency (rgba), and HSL is great for creating color variations programmatically.
What is the difference between 3-digit and 6-digit HEX codes?
3-digit HEX (#f00) is shorthand for 6-digit HEX (#ff0000). Each digit is duplicated: #f00 = #ff0000, #abc = #aabbcc. Both represent the same color, but 6-digit provides more precision and is more commonly used.
How do I ensure my colors are accessible?
Use our contrast checker to ensure your text/background combinations meet WCAG guidelines. Aim for at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Test with both light and dark backgrounds to ensure versatility.