Understanding Color Formats

Digital colors can be represented in several different formats depending on the use case. This tool lets you convert a hexadecimal color code to RGB, HSL, and CMYK representations.

HEX Format (Hexadecimal)

The hexadecimal format is the most common on the web. It's written as #RRGGBB where RR, GG, and BB are the red, green, and blue components expressed in hexadecimal (00 to FF).

• Range: #000000 (black) to #FFFFFF (white)
• Usage: CSS, HTML, web design, graphic software
• Example: #FF5733 = reddish-orange

RGB Format (Red, Green, Blue)

The RGB model is an additive model based on the three primary colors of light. Each component ranges from 0 to 255.

• Range: rgb(0, 0, 0) to rgb(255, 255, 255)
• Usage: Screens, CSS, web, digital photography
• Example: rgb(255, 87, 51) = reddish-orange

HSL Format (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)

The HSL model is more intuitive for humans. Hue is an angle from 0° to 360°, saturation and lightness are percentages.

• Hue: 0° = red, 120° = green, 240° = blue
• Saturation: 0% = gray, 100% = vivid color
• Lightness: 0% = black, 50% = normal, 100% = white
• Usage: CSS3, design, photo editing, animation

CMYK Format (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

The CMYK model is a subtractive model used in printing. Values are percentages of each ink.

• Main usage: Offset printing, professional printers
• Particularity: Not all RGB colors can be reproduced in CMYK (reduced gamut)
• Note: RGB → CMYK conversion is an approximation; exact values depend on the color profile