Color Converter

How to Use This Color Converter

Step 1: Enter a color value in any supported format — type a HEX code (e.g., #FF6B6B), RGB values (e.g., 255, 107, 107), or HSL values (e.g., 0, 100%, 71%) into the corresponding input field.

Step 2: The tool instantly converts your color to all other formats. When you enter a HEX code, you’ll immediately see the RGB, HSL, HSB, and CMYK equivalents.

Step 3: Use the color picker (click the color swatch) to visually select any color. Your browser’s native color picker opens, and all values update in real time as you adjust.

Step 4: Copy the CSS snippet or any color value for use in your stylesheets, design tools, or code. Browse the shades and tints section below the converter to find lighter and darker variations of your selected color.

Choosing Colors for Accessibility

When selecting colors for web design, always check that your text and background combinations meet WCAG contrast guidelines. The minimum contrast ratio is 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18px bold or 24px regular). Use our Contrast Checker tool to verify your color choices.

A practical workflow: start with your brand color in HSL format, then adjust the lightness value to create accessible variations. For example, if your brand blue is hsl(220, 80%, 50%), you can create a darker version for text at hsl(220, 80%, 25%) and a lighter background tint at hsl(220, 80%, 95%).

HEX vs RGB vs HSL Explained

HEX is a 6-character hexadecimal representation of a color, prefixed with #. Each pair of characters represents the Red, Green, and Blue channels (00–FF). It is the most common format in web development and CSS.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines a color by mixing three light channels, each ranging from 0 to 255. rgb(255, 0, 0) is pure red. RGB is intuitive for understanding color mixing but less intuitive for adjusting brightness or saturation.

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is the most human-friendly format. Hue is a degree on the color wheel (0°=red, 120°=green, 240°=blue). Saturation controls vividness (0%=gray, 100%=full). Lightness controls brightness (0%=black, 100%=white). HSL makes it easy to create color variations by simply adjusting lightness.

When to Use Each Format

HEX: CSS stylesheets, design tools, brand guidelines. The most compact and widely used format.
RGB: JavaScript color manipulation, canvas drawing, when you need to mix channels programmatically.
HSL: Creating color palettes, adjusting brightness/saturation, generating accessible color schemes. Best for design work.

CSS Color Usage Tips

Modern CSS supports all three formats. Use hsl() when you need to create hover states (just change lightness), dark mode variants, or consistent color palettes. Use shorthand HEX (#RGB) for common colors like #fff and #000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert HEX to RGB?

Split the HEX code into 3 pairs (RR, GG, BB) and convert each from hex to decimal. #FF6B6B = R:255, G:107, B:107. This tool does it automatically.

What is the difference between RGB and HSL?

RGB mixes red, green, and blue light (0–255). HSL uses hue (color), saturation (vividness), and lightness (brightness). HSL is more intuitive for creating color variations.

How do I convert a color to HEX?

Convert each RGB value (0–255) to a 2-digit hex number and prefix with #. RGB(255, 107, 107) → #FF6B6B.

What is HSL color?

Hue (0–360°), Saturation (0–100%), Lightness (0–100%). Hue selects the color, saturation controls vividness, lightness controls brightness.

How do I find the RGB value of a color?

Click the color swatch above to open the color picker. Select any color and the RGB, HEX, and HSL values appear instantly.