Color Converter
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats
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rgb(59, 130, 246)hsl(217, 91%, 60%)background-color: #3B82F6;Understanding Color Models: RGB, HEX, HSL, and CMYK
Color models are mathematical systems for representing colors as combinations of component values. Each model was designed with a specific purpose in mind. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model used by screens and displays. It combines three channels, each ranging from 0 to 255, to create over 16.7 million possible colors. When all three channels are at maximum (255, 255, 255), the result is white; when all are at zero, the result is black. RGB is the native language of digital displays because monitors emit light by combining red, green, and blue phosphors or LEDs.
HEX notation is simply a compact hexadecimal representation of RGB values. The six-character code after the hash symbol encodes two hex digits per channel. For example, #3B82F6 translates to R:59 (3B), G:130 (82), B:246 (F6). Three-digit shorthand like #FFF expands each digit, so it becomes #FFFFFF. HEX is the most common format in CSS and web design due to its brevity.
HSL: A More Intuitive Color Model
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) describes colors in a way that aligns more naturally with human perception. Hue is an angle on the color wheel from 0 to 360 degrees, where 0 is red, 120 is green, and 240 is blue. Saturation, expressed as a percentage, controls color intensity -- 100% is fully vivid, 0% is a shade of gray. Lightness determines brightness: 0% is pure black, 50% is the full color, and 100% is pure white.
The practical advantage of HSL is that creating design variations becomes trivial. Need a darker shade? Lower the lightness. Want a pastel version? Reduce the saturation. Building a complementary color scheme? Add 180 degrees to the hue. This is why modern CSS design systems and frameworks increasingly favor HSL for defining color palettes and design tokens.
CMYK and Choosing the Right Color Model
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used in print production. Unlike RGB, which starts with black and adds light, CMYK starts with white paper and subtracts light with each layer of ink. This fundamental difference means screen colors do not always translate perfectly to print, which is why professional designers work in CMYK when preparing materials for physical printing.
Choosing the right model depends on your medium. Use HEX or RGB for web development and UI design. Use HSL when building systematic color palettes, creating theme variations, or working with CSS custom properties. Use CMYK for print design, packaging, and any project that will be physically reproduced with ink. In CSS, the newer oklch() and oklab() color functions offer perceptually uniform color spaces that produce more consistent results when interpolating between colors, making them worth exploring for modern web projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats?
HEX uses hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB), RGB specifies red, green, and blue values (0-255), and HSL defines colors by hue (0-360), saturation (0-100%), and lightness (0-100%). All three formats can represent the same colors but are used in different contexts.
How do I convert HEX to RGB?
To convert HEX to RGB, split the 6-digit hex code into pairs (RR, GG, BB) and convert each pair from hexadecimal to decimal. For example, #3B82F6 becomes RGB(59, 130, 246). Our converter does this automatically.
Why would I use HSL instead of RGB?
HSL is more intuitive for humans because it separates color (hue) from intensity (saturation) and brightness (lightness). This makes it easier to create color variations, adjust brightness, or find complementary colors.
Can I use this color converter for CSS styling?
Yes! Our converter provides CSS-ready output in all formats. Simply copy the HEX, RGB, or HSL value and paste it directly into your CSS stylesheet or inline styles.
How do I create lighter or darker shades of a color?
Use the lightness variations feature in our converter. It generates 9 shades of your selected color by adjusting the HSL lightness value from 10% to 90%, giving you a complete palette from dark to light.