🎨 Free Color Code Converter
Convert between HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats instantly. Perfect for web designers, developers, and graphic designers. Real-time color preview with one-click copy.
HEX
RGB
HSL
🧭 How to Use the Color Code Converter
1
Select Format
Choose your input format (HEX, RGB, or HSL) using the tabs. Each format is perfect for different use cases in design and development.
2
Enter Color Values
Input your color code. For HEX, use format like #FF5733. For RGB, enter values 0-255. For HSL, enter hue (0-360) and percentages.
3
Click Convert
Click the convert button to instantly see your color in all three formats. The color preview updates in real-time.
4
Copy & Use
Use the copy buttons to quickly copy any format to your clipboard. Ready to paste into your CSS, design tools, or documentation.
🚀 Key Benefits of Our Color Converter
100% Free & Unlimited
Convert unlimited colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats. No registration, no limits, completely free forever.
Instant Conversion
Get results immediately with real-time color preview. No waiting, no loading - see your color in all formats instantly.
Live Color Preview
See exactly what your color looks like with our large, real-time color preview box. Visualize before you use.
Accurate Conversions
Uses precise color conversion algorithms. Get exact matches every time, trusted by designers and developers worldwide.
Works Everywhere
Fully responsive design works on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Convert colors anywhere, anytime, on any device.
One-Click Copy
Copy any format to clipboard instantly. Quick copy buttons for HEX, RGB, and HSL - paste directly into your code.
📚 Understanding Color Formats
🎭 What are Color Codes?
Color codes are different ways to represent colors in digital design and web development. Each format has its own advantages and use cases:
🔢 HEX (Hexadecimal)
Format: #RRGGBB (e.g., #FF5733)
Range: 00-FF for each channel
Use: Most common in web design and CSS. Compact and widely supported.
Example: #FF0000 = Pure Red
Range: 00-FF for each channel
Use: Most common in web design and CSS. Compact and widely supported.
Example: #FF0000 = Pure Red
🌈 RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Format: rgb(R, G, B) (e.g., rgb(255, 87, 51))
Range: 0-255 for each channel
Use: Intuitive for developers, easy to read and modify.
Example: rgb(255, 0, 0) = Pure Red
Range: 0-255 for each channel
Use: Intuitive for developers, easy to read and modify.
Example: rgb(255, 0, 0) = Pure Red
🎨 HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)
Format: hsl(H, S%, L%) (e.g., hsl(9, 100%, 60%))
Range: H: 0-360°, S/L: 0-100%
Use: Best for creating color variations and themes.
Example: hsl(0, 100%, 50%) = Pure Red
Range: H: 0-360°, S/L: 0-100%
Use: Best for creating color variations and themes.
Example: hsl(0, 100%, 50%) = Pure Red
💡 When to Use Each Format
- Use HEX when: Writing CSS, sharing colors with designers, or keeping code compact.
- Use RGB when: Working with image processing, JavaScript color manipulation, or adding transparency with RGBA.
- Use HSL when: Creating color schemes, adjusting color brightness/saturation, or building themes programmatically.
- Pro Tip: HSL is easiest for creating consistent color palettes - just adjust lightness/saturation while keeping hue constant.
- Accessibility: Regardless of format, ensure sufficient contrast ratios (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text) for WCAG compliance.
✨ Color Tips & Best Practices
🛡️ Accessibility First
Always check color contrast ratios. Use tools like our WCAG Contrast Checker to ensure text is readable for everyone, including those with visual impairments.
🎭 HEX Shorthand
When each pair is the same, use shorthand: #FFFFFF becomes #FFF, #CC00CC becomes #C0C. Saves bytes and improves readability.
🔄 Color Variations
Use HSL to create variations easily: keep hue constant, adjust lightness for shades and tints, or adjust saturation for muted versions.
📱 Alpha Transparency
Add transparency with RGBA or HSLA: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) or hsla(9, 100%, 60%, 0.5) for 50% opacity.
🎭 Consistent Systems
Pick one format for your project. HEX for simple sites, HSL for design systems, RGB for JavaScript-heavy apps.
📊 Color Theory
Use complementary colors (opposite on color wheel) for contrast, analogous colors (adjacent) for harmony, and monochromatic for elegant designs.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?
HEX uses hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB), RGB uses decimal values (0-255) for red, green, and blue, and HSL uses hue (0-360°), saturation (0-100%), and lightness (0-100%). All three represent the same colors differently - HEX is most compact, RGB is most common in programming, and HSL is most intuitive for creating color variations.
Which color format should I use for web design?
HEX is most common for static colors in CSS, RGB/RGBA is best when you need transparency or JavaScript manipulation, and HSL/HSLA is ideal for creating color schemes and variations. Modern CSS supports all formats, so choose based on your specific needs and team preferences.
How do I convert HEX to RGB manually?
Split the HEX code into pairs (RR, GG, BB), then convert each pair from hexadecimal to decimal. For example, #FF5733 becomes: FF=255, 57=87, 33=51, resulting in rgb(255, 87, 51). Our tool does this instantly, but it's helpful to understand the process!
What are alpha values in colors?
Alpha values represent transparency/opacity, ranging from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (fully opaque). Use RGBA like rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) or HSLA like hsla(9, 100%, 60%, 0.5) for semi-transparent colors. HEX can also include alpha as #RRGGBBAA (8-digit format).
Can I use this tool offline?
The converter runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Once the page loads, all conversions happen client-side without internet connection. However, you need internet to initially load the page.
Are the color conversions accurate?
Yes! We use standard color conversion algorithms that provide pixel-perfect accuracy. The conversions match what browsers and design tools use, ensuring consistency across platforms.
What's the best format for color accessibility?
The format doesn't affect accessibility - what matters is the actual color values and contrast ratios. Use our WCAG Contrast Checker to ensure your color combinations meet accessibility standards (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text).