Color Formats Explained
Colors on screens can be represented in several different formats, each useful in different contexts:
- HEX (
#ff6b35): A 6-character hexadecimal code, the most common format in web design and CSS. The three pairs of digits represent the red, green, and blue components. - RGB (
rgb(255, 107, 53)): Expresses the red, green, and blue channels as numbers from 0 to 255. Widely used in CSS and design tools. - HSL (
hsl(20, 100%, 60%)): Represents colors as Hue (the color angle on a color wheel, 0–360°), Saturation (how vivid, 0–100%), and Lightness (how light or dark, 0–100%). More intuitive for humans — easy to adjust brightness or saturation without guessing RGB values.
Each format represents the same color, just written differently.
What Does This Tool Do?
This tool converts colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats instantly. Enter a color in any format and see all three representations at once, along with a live preview of the color.
How to Use This Tool
- Enter a color value in any format — HEX, RGB, or HSL.
- All three formats update instantly.
- A color swatch shows a live preview.
- Copy any format with a single click.
Common Use Cases
- Web and UI design: Your design tool gives you HEX, but your CSS framework uses HSL — convert in seconds.
- Adjusting colors: Use HSL to easily make a color lighter, darker, or more saturated without trial and error.
- Matching colors: Copy a color from one tool and convert it to the format another tool expects.
- Accessibility: Check color values when verifying contrast ratios for accessible design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about RGBA and HSLA (with transparency)?
RGBA and HSLA add an alpha channel for transparency. This tool currently handles fully opaque colors (RGB and HSL without alpha).
Why do some HEX colors have only 3 characters?
A 3-character HEX like #f60 is shorthand for #ff6600. Each digit is doubled. Both are equivalent.
Is my data private?
Yes. All conversion happens locally in your browser.