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Color Converter: HEX, RGB, HSL for Web Designers

A guide to color formats used in web design. Learn to convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and understand when to use each format.

2025-01-094 min

Color Formats Explained

HEX Colors

Six-digit hexadecimal representation: #RRGGBB

Example: #3B82F6 (blue)

RGB Colors

Red, Green, Blue values from 0-255

Example: rgb(59, 130, 246)

HSL Colors

Hue (0-360), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%)

Example: hsl(217, 91%, 60%)

RGBA/HSLA

Same as RGB/HSL but with alpha channel for transparency

When to Use Each Format

HEX

  • CSS stylesheets
  • Design tools
  • Brand color specifications

    • RGB/RGBA

  • JavaScript color manipulation
  • Opacity variations
  • Dynamic color generation

    • HSL/HSLA

  • Creating color variations
  • Adjusting brightness/saturation
  • Generating color palettes

    • Color Conversion Formulas

    Converting between formats involves mathematical transformations. For example, HEX to RGB:

  • Split HEX into RR, GG, BB pairs
  • Convert each pair from hexadecimal to decimal

    • Practical Tips

  • Use HEX for static colors in CSS
  • Use HSL when creating color schemes
  • Use RGBA when you need transparency
  • Save colors in multiple formats for flexibility

    • Our Color Converter

  • Convert between all major formats
  • Color picker with preview
  • Copy any format to clipboard
  • Save favorite colors
  • Generate complementary colors