Professional Color Converter

Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK formats with advanced color tools

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How to Use This Tool

Pick a color using the visual picker or paste a HEX code.
Adjust HEX, RGB, or HSL fields; values sync automatically.
Copy any format result or use “Copy All”.
Generate palettes (Complementary, Triadic, etc.) and click a swatch to apply.

Color Converter & Picker

HEX
#6f42c1
RGB
rgb(111, 66, 193)
HSL
hsl(258, 49%, 51%)
HSV
hsv(258, 66%, 76%)
CMYK
cmyk(42%, 66%, 0%, 24%)
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Color Palette Generator

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Color Theory & Formats Guide

HEX Colors

Hexadecimal color codes use base-16 numbering to represent colors. Each color is defined by 6 characters preceded by a hash (#).

  • Format: #RRGGBB (Red, Green, Blue)
  • Range: 00-FF for each channel (0-255 in decimal)
  • Example: #FF0000 = Pure Red
  • Short form: #RGB expands to #RRGGBB

RGB Colors

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model where colors are created by combining red, green, and blue light.

  • Format: rgb(r, g, b)
  • Range: 0-255 for each channel
  • Usage: Digital displays, web design
  • Alpha: rgba(r, g, b, a) includes transparency

HSL Colors

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) represents colors in a more intuitive way that matches human color perception.

  • Hue: 0-360° on the color wheel
  • Saturation: 0-100% color intensity
  • Lightness: 0-100% from black to white
  • Advantage: Easy to create color variations

HSV Colors

HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value/Brightness) is similar to HSL but uses brightness instead of lightness.

  • Hue: 0-360° color position
  • Saturation: 0-100% color purity
  • Value: 0-100% brightness level
  • Usage: Image editing, color selection

CMYK Colors

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is a subtractive color model used in printing.

  • Format: cmyk(c%, m%, y%, k%)
  • Range: 0-100% for each channel
  • Usage: Print media, professional printing
  • Black (K): Key color for text and details

Color Harmonies

Color harmonies are combinations of colors that are aesthetically pleasing and work well together.

  • Complementary: Opposite colors on the color wheel
  • Triadic: Three equally spaced colors
  • Analogous: Adjacent colors on the color wheel
  • Monochromatic: Variations of a single hue
  • Split-Complementary: Base color + two adjacent to complement

Accessibility & Contrast

Color accessibility ensures your designs are usable by people with visual impairments.

  • WCAG Guidelines: Minimum contrast ratios for text
  • Color Blindness: ~8% of men, ~0.5% of women affected
  • Best Practices: Don't rely solely on color for information
  • Testing: Use contrast checkers and simulators

CSS & Web Usage

Different color formats have specific use cases in web development and design.

  • HEX: Most common for CSS, compact notation
  • RGB: Precise control, good for calculations
  • HSL: Intuitive for creating color schemes
  • Transparency: Use rgba() or hsla() for opacity

Frequently Asked Questions

What color formats does this tool support?
HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK with real-time bidirectional conversion.
Can I paste a color and have all formats update automatically?
Yes. Paste a HEX color or adjust any format; all other formats synchronize instantly.
Is the color picker supported on mobile devices?
Most modern mobile browsers support the native color input. If not, type in the HEX field.
How do I copy results?
Use the copy buttons beside each format or the "Copy All" button to copy every format at once.
Does the tool generate color palettes?
Yes. Use Complementary, Triadic, Analogous, Monochromatic, or Split-Complementary to generate swatches.
What happens if I enter invalid values?
Inputs are validated and helpful error messages are shown with guidance to correct ranges.
Are conversions mathematically accurate?
Yes. The tool uses standard color space formulas with minor rounding when converting.
Can I use this tool offline?
The tool runs in your browser. If cached, core conversions work offline; external assets may need internet.
Is my data saved?
No personal data is collected; processing happens locally in your browser.
What browsers are supported?
Recent versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are supported. Very old browsers may lack color input support.
Can I adjust values with the keyboard?
Yes. Use Arrow keys to increment/decrement and hold Shift for larger steps.
How do I apply a color from the generated palette?
Click any palette swatch; it becomes the active color and all formats refresh automatically.
Disclaimer

This color conversion tool is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While the conversions follow standard color space formulas, results may include minor rounding differences depending on browser rendering and device characteristics. Always validate color choices against your project’s accessibility standards and visual requirements before production use.