About Color Picker & Converter Tool
Our free online color picker and converter is a comprehensive tool for designers, developers, and creatives. Pick colors visually, convert between multiple color formats instantly, and explore color harmonies, shades, and tints - all in one powerful interface.
How to Use the Color Picker
- Click the color picker to select any color visually
- Or enter a HEX code directly in the input field
- Use the RGB and HSL sliders to fine-tune your color
- View instant conversions in all 5 color formats
- Copy any format with a single click
- Explore color harmonies and generate shades/tints
- Access your recent colors from the history
Supported Color Formats
- HEX (Hexadecimal): The most common format for web design. Format: #RRGGBB where each pair represents Red, Green, and Blue values in hexadecimal (00-FF). Example: #3B82F6
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue): Used in digital displays and CSS. Each channel ranges from 0-255. Perfect for screen-based designs and web development. Example: rgb(59, 130, 246)
- HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness): Intuitive for designers. Hue (0-360°) represents the color wheel position, Saturation (0-100%) is color intensity, and Lightness (0-100%) is brightness. Example: hsl(217°, 91%, 60%)
- HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value): Similar to HSL but uses Value instead of Lightness. Common in color pickers and image editing software. Example: hsv(217°, 76%, 96%)
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key): Used for printing. Each value represents ink percentage (0-100%). Essential for print design and professional printing. Example: cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%)
Advanced Features
- Interactive RGB Sliders: Adjust Red, Green, and Blue values with visual gradient sliders
- Interactive HSL Sliders: Control Hue, Saturation, and Lightness with intuitive rainbow and gradient sliders
- Color Harmonies: Generate complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes automatically
- Shades & Tints: Create 5 darker shades and 5 lighter tints of any color instantly
- Color History: Automatically tracks your last 10 colors for easy access
- Preset Colors: Quick access to 10 common colors
- Random Color Generator: Get instant color inspiration
- One-Click Copy: Copy any color format to clipboard instantly
Color Harmony Types Explained
- Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (180° apart). Create high contrast and vibrant designs. Perfect for making elements stand out.
- Analogous Colors: Colors adjacent on the color wheel (30° apart). Create harmonious and pleasing color schemes. Great for natural, comfortable designs.
- Triadic Colors: Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel (120° apart). Create vibrant, balanced color schemes with visual interest.
Use Cases
- Web Development: Get HEX and RGB codes for CSS styling, HTML, and JavaScript
- Graphic Design: Convert colors to CMYK for professional printing and print materials
- UI/UX Design: Create cohesive color schemes and design systems for applications
- Brand Identity: Document and maintain brand colors across all formats
- Digital Art: Find perfect color combinations and explore color relationships
- Accessibility Testing: Test color contrast and ensure WCAG compliance
- Marketing Materials: Ensure color consistency across digital and print media
Understanding Color Formats
When to Use HEX
HEX is the standard for web design and CSS. It's compact, widely supported, and easy to copy-paste. Use HEX for websites, web applications, and any digital project where you're writing CSS or HTML.
When to Use RGB
RGB is perfect for digital displays and when you need to manipulate individual color channels programmatically. It's also more intuitive than HEX when adjusting specific color components. Use RGB in CSS, JavaScript, and image editing.
When to Use HSL
HSL is the most intuitive format for designers. It's easy to create color variations by adjusting saturation or lightness while keeping the same hue. Perfect for creating color schemes, themes, and accessible color combinations.
When to Use HSV
HSV is commonly used in color pickers and image editing software. It's similar to HSL but often preferred in graphics applications. Use HSV when working with design software or when you need precise color control.
When to Use CMYK
CMYK is essential for print design. Unlike RGB (which uses light), CMYK uses ink. Always convert to CMYK before sending designs to a printer to ensure accurate color reproduction. Note that some RGB colors cannot be perfectly reproduced in CMYK.
Tips for Better Color Selection
- Start with a base color: Choose your primary color first, then use harmonies to build your palette
- Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color
- Test on different backgrounds: Colors look different on light vs dark backgrounds
- Consider accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast for text readability (WCAG 4.5:1 ratio)
- Save your colors: Document all color codes for consistency across your project
- Use shades and tints: Create depth and hierarchy with variations of your base colors
- Test in context: Always preview colors in your actual design, not just in the picker
Color Theory Basics
- Warm Colors: Reds, oranges, yellows - energetic, passionate, attention-grabbing
- Cool Colors: Blues, greens, purples - calming, professional, trustworthy
- Neutral Colors: Blacks, whites, grays - versatile, sophisticated, timeless
- Color Psychology: Different colors evoke different emotions and associations
- Cultural Differences: Color meanings vary across cultures - consider your audience
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between RGB and HEX?
HEX and RGB represent the same colors, just in different formats. HEX uses hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB) while RGB uses decimal values (0-255). HEX is more compact and common in CSS, while RGB is more intuitive for manual adjustments.
Can I convert RGB to CMYK accurately?
RGB to CMYK conversion is approximate because RGB (light-based) has a wider color gamut than CMYK (ink-based). Some vibrant RGB colors cannot be perfectly reproduced in print. Always check CMYK values with your printer for critical color matching.
What is the best color format for web design?
HEX is the most common for web design due to its compact format and universal browser support. However, RGB and HSL are also fully supported in modern CSS and offer advantages for programmatic color manipulation and creating color variations.
How do I create an accessible color palette?
Ensure text has at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio with its background (WCAG AA standard). Use our color picker to find your colors, then test them with a contrast checker. Consider colorblind-friendly combinations and avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
Why do my colors look different in print?
Screens use RGB (light) while printers use CMYK (ink). The color gamuts are different, and some RGB colors cannot be reproduced in CMYK. Always convert to CMYK and request a printed proof for critical color matching.
Privacy & Security
All color conversions and calculations happen locally in your browser. No color data is sent to any server. Your color history is stored only in your browser's local storage and never leaves your device.