Color Picker & Converter
Color Converter — HEX, RGB, HSL
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats instantly. Use the built-in color picker or type any value directly. All formats update in real time as you make changes — perfect for web developers, designers, and anyone working with digital color.
Understanding Color Formats
HEX Colors
HEX (hexadecimal) is the most widely used color format in web development. It represents a color as a 6-digit code prefixed with #, where each pair of digits represents the red, green, and blue channels in base-16 (00-FF). Example: #2563EB encodes R=37, G=99, B=235. Shorthand notation like #fff expands to #ffffff.
RGB Colors
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the additive color model used by all digital screens. Each channel ranges from 0 to 255. CSS syntax: rgb(37, 99, 235). RGB is the closest representation to how monitors actually display color — mixing red, green, and blue light at varying intensities.
HSL Colors
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is a more intuitive model for humans. Hue is the color angle on a 360° wheel (0°=red, 120°=green, 240°=blue), Saturation is the color intensity (0-100%), and Lightness controls brightness (0%=black, 100%=white, 50%=pure color). CSS syntax: hsl(221, 83%, 53%). HSL makes it easy to create color variations — just adjust lightness for shades and tints, or saturation for muted tones.
How to Use
Click the color preview square to open your system's native color picker, or type a value directly into any field. Edit HEX, RGB, or HSL — the other formats update automatically. Click Copy to copy any format to your clipboard as a CSS-ready value.
When to Use Each Format
- HEX — Best for CSS stylesheets and design tools. Most compact notation for specifying colors. Universally supported across browsers and design software.
- RGB — Best for programmatic color manipulation. Easier to calculate blends, interpolations, and dynamic color changes in JavaScript. Also used when alpha transparency is needed:
rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.5). - HSL — Best for creating color systems and design tokens. Generate consistent palettes by keeping hue constant and varying saturation and lightness. Perfect for theming, dark mode, and accessible color schemes.
Tips for Choosing Colors
- Use HSL to create color shades: keep hue and saturation fixed, then adjust lightness (e.g., 40%=dark, 50%=base, 60%=light).
- Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background — WCAG requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text. Use our Color Contrast Checker to verify.
- Test your colors in both light and dark contexts. A color that looks great on white might be hard to read on dark backgrounds.
- For accessible design, avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning — always supplement with icons, patterns, or text labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which color format should I use in CSS?
HEX is the most common for static colors in web development. HSL is increasingly popular because it's more intuitive for creating variations — adjusting lightness gives you predictable shades and tints. Both are equally supported in modern browsers.
What about transparency/alpha?
This tool focuses on opaque colors. For transparency, extend any format with an alpha channel: rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.5), hsla(221, 83%, 53%, 0.5), or #2563eb80 (8-digit HEX with the last two digits as alpha).
Are HEX colors case-sensitive?
No. #2563EB and #2563eb represent the same color. Lowercase is conventional in CSS, but both work identically in all browsers.
How do I create a color palette from a base color?
Start with your base color in HSL format. Create lighter shades by increasing lightness (e.g., 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%) and darker shades by decreasing it (40%, 30%, 20%). For complementary colors, add 180° to the hue. Try our Color Palette Generator for automated palette creation.
Why does my color look different on different screens?
Color appearance depends on the display's color profile, brightness settings, and panel technology (IPS, OLED, TN). Professional design work requires a calibrated monitor. For web development, test colors on both mobile and desktop screens.