Color Converter
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, CMYK formats. Free online color picker, palette generator, contrast checker, and gradient builder. No signup required.
Color Preview
Color Picker
WCAG AA: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text
WCAG AAA: 7:1 for normal text, 4.5:1 for large text
How to Use Color Converter
Pick a Color
Use the color picker or enter a color value directly in HEX, RGB, HSL, or CMYK format. The tool instantly converts between all formats.
Convert Colors
Use the Converter tab to convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, CMYK, and LAB color formats. All conversions happen instantly as you type.
Generate Palettes
Use the Palette tab to generate random color palettes. Click any color to select it as your current color.
Check Contrast
Use the Contrast tab to check if your color combinations meet WCAG accessibility guidelines (AA and AAA standards).
Frequently Asked Questions
What color formats are supported?
This tool supports HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV/HSB, CMYK, and LAB color formats. All conversions happen instantly and bidirectionally.
How do I convert HEX to RGB?
Simply enter a HEX color code (like #FF5733) in any input field. The tool automatically converts it to all other formats including RGB (rgb(255, 87, 51)).
How do I convert HEX to HSL?
Enter your HEX color code in the input field, and the HSL value will be displayed instantly. For example, #FF5733 converts to hsl(11, 100%, 60%). HSL is great for creating color variations by adjusting lightness and saturation.
How do I convert RGB to HEX?
Enter RGB values like "255, 87, 51" in the RGB converter field, and the HEX code (#FF5733) will be generated automatically. This is useful when you need CSS-ready color codes from design tools that output RGB values.
How do I convert CMYK to HEX for web design?
Enter CMYK values (e.g., "0, 66, 80, 0") in the CMYK converter field. The tool will instantly show the equivalent HEX code. Note that CMYK-to-RGB conversion may have slight color variations due to different color gamuts.
What is the difference between HSL and HSV?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) and HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) are both cylindrical color representations. HSL is more intuitive for humans, while HSV is better for computer graphics and image processing.
What is CMYK used for?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is the standard color model for print media. RGB is used for digital displays. Use this converter when preparing designs for printing.
What does WCAG contrast mean?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio measures the difference in luminance between foreground and background colors. Higher ratios (4.5:1 for AA, 7:1 for AAA) ensure better readability for users with visual impairments.
What is LAB color space?
LAB is a device-independent color space that approximates human vision. It's useful for color matching and correction because it represents colors as humans perceive them, independent of how they're displayed or printed.
How do I check if my colors are accessible?
Use the Contrast tab to check WCAG compliance. Enter your foreground and background colors, and the tool will show the contrast ratio and whether it passes AA (4.5:1) or AAA (7:1) standards for accessibility.
Can I generate random color palettes?
Yes! Click "Generate Random Palette" to create 5 random harmonious colors. Click any color in the palette to use it as your current color.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, this color converter is completely free with no usage limits, no registration required, and all processing happens in your browser.
Understanding Color Formats
- HEX Color Code
- A hexadecimal color representation prefixed with #. Each pair of digits represents Red, Green, and Blue values from 00 to FF (0-255). Example: #FF5733 = RGB(255, 87, 51). Best for CSS and web design.
- RGB Color Model
- An additive color model using Red, Green, and Blue components (0-255 each). Colors are created by adding light. Example: rgb(255, 87, 51). Best for digital displays and JavaScript applications.
- HSL Color Model
- Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%). More intuitive for creating color variations. Example: hsl(11, 100%, 60%). Best for theming and color manipulation.
- HSV/HSB Color Model
- Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Value/Brightness (0-100%). Used in image editing software like Photoshop. Example: hsv(11, 80%, 100%). Best for computer graphics.
- CMYK Color Model
- Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black percentages (0-100%). A subtractive color model used for print. Example: cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%). Best for print design.
- LAB Color Space
- A device-independent color space: L* = lightness (0-100), a* = green-red (-128 to 127), b* = blue-yellow (-128 to 127). Approximates human vision. Best for color matching and perceptual differences.
HEX Color Codes
HEX codes are the most common way to represent colors in web design. They use a hexadecimal number prefixed with #, like #FF5733. Each pair of digits represents Red, Green, and Blue values (0-255). For example, #FF5733 breaks down as: FF (255 red), 57 (87 green), 33 (51 blue).
RGB Colors
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines colors by specifying the intensity of each component from 0-255. rgb(255, 87, 51) means maximum red, moderate green, and low blue. RGB is an additive color model used for digital displays where colors are created by adding light.
HSL Colors
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive than RGB. Hue is 0-360 degrees on the color wheel (0=red, 120=green, 240=blue), saturation is 0-100% (0%=gray, 100%=full color), and lightness is 0-100% (0%=black, 100%=white). It's easier to create color variations with HSL.
HSV/HSB Colors
HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) or HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) is similar to HSL but uses Value instead of Lightness. Value represents the brightness of the color. HSV is commonly used in image editing software and computer graphics applications.
CMYK Colors
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is used for print. Unlike RGB which adds light, CMYK subtracts it. Values are percentages (0-100%) representing ink density. When converting from RGB to CMYK, expect some color shift due to different color gamuts.
LAB Color Space
LAB is a device-independent color space designed to approximate human vision. L represents lightness (0-100), a represents green-red (-128 to 127), and b represents blue-yellow (-128 to 127). LAB is useful for color matching and perceptual color differences.
Color Conversion Formulas
| Conversion | Formula |
|---|---|
| HEX to RGB | R = parseInt(hex.substr(1,2), 16), G = parseInt(hex.substr(3,2), 16), B = parseInt(hex.substr(5,2), 16) |
| RGB to HEX | HEX = "#" + R.toString(16) + G.toString(16) + B.toString(16) |
| RGB to HSL | Convert RGB to 0-1 range, calculate max/min, derive H, S, L values |
| RGB to CMYK | C = (255-R)/255, M = (255-G)/255, Y = (255-B)/255, K = min(C,M,Y) |
Color Format Comparison
| Format | Example | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| HEX | #FF5733 | Web design, CSS |
| RGB | rgb(255, 87, 51) | Digital design, JavaScript |
| HSL | hsl(11, 100%, 60%) | Color manipulation, theming |
| HSV | hsv(11, 80%, 100%) | Image processing, graphics |
| CMYK | cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%) | Print design |
| LAB | lab(60, 55, 60) | Color matching, correction |
WCAG Contrast Guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define minimum contrast ratios for text readability:
| Level | Normal Text | Large Text |
|---|---|---|
| AA (Minimum) | 4.5:1 | 3:1 |
| AAA (Enhanced) | 7:1 | 4.5:1 |
Normal text is 14px (or 18.66px bold). Large text is 18px (or 24px bold).
Tips for Better Color Choices
- Use HSL for variations: Keep the same hue and adjust saturation/lightness for tints and shades
- Test contrast early: Check WCAG compliance before finalizing your color palette
- Consider color blindness: About 8% of men have color vision deficiency - avoid relying solely on color to convey information
- Print preview: Always test CMYK conversions with a print proof before production
Real-World Use Cases
Web Design
Convert between color formats when implementing designs in CSS, JavaScript, or design tools. Generate accessible color combinations for websites and apps.
Print Design
Convert RGB colors to CMYK for print materials. Ensure colors will look correct when printed.
Accessibility
Check color contrast ratios to ensure your designs meet WCAG accessibility standards for all users.
App Development
Generate color palettes and convert colors for iOS, Android, or cross-platform mobile apps.
Related Tools
References & Further Reading
Learn more about color theory and accessibility:
- CSS Color Values - MDN Web Docs - Complete guide to CSS color formats
- WCAG Contrast Requirements - W3C - Official accessibility guidelines
- Color Models - Wikipedia - Comprehensive color theory reference
- HSL and HSV - Wikipedia - Cylindrical color representations
- WCAG 2.1 Guidelines - W3C - Full accessibility standards
Note: External links open in new tabs. We are not affiliated with these resources.
About Color Converter
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, CMYK formats. Free online color picker, palette generator, contrast checker, and gradient builder. No signup required.