Color Converter
Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK color formats instantly. Perfect for developers and designers.
Input Color
All Formats
HEX
Web & CSS
RGB
Digital screens
HSL
Color manipulation
CMYK
Print & print design
hex, rgb, hsl & more
Understanding Color Formats
Why Color Formats Matter
Every color on a screen is stored as numbers, but different systems use different number formats. A hex code like #FF5733 is the same color as rgb(255, 87, 51), which is the same as hsl(11, 100%, 60%) — three different ways to describe the exact same shade of orange. Web developers need hex for CSS, designers often think in HSL because it matches how humans perceive color (hue, saturation, and lightness), and print workflows sometimes require CMYK values.
The converter above lets you paste or type any value in hex, RGB, HSL, or CMYK format and instantly see all the equivalents. It is useful when you have a brand color from a design file and need the CSS version, or when you find a color online in one format and need it in another for your project.
The Main Color Formats Explained
- Hexadecimal (Hex): six characters after a hash sign, representing red, green, and blue intensity in base-16. #FF0000 is pure red. Hex is the most common format in web CSS because it is compact and universally supported.
- RGB: three numbers (0–255) for red, green, and blue light. rgb(255, 0, 0) is pure red. RGB is the language of screens and is useful when you need fine control over individual color channels.
- HSL: Hue (0–360 degrees around the color wheel), Saturation (0–100%), and Lightness (0–100%). hsl(0, 100%, 50%) is pure red. HSL is the most intuitive format for designers because each slider maps to one visual decision.
- CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) percentages used in print. CMYK is essential when your design will be printed — screen colors (RGB/hex) do not translate directly to ink, so always convert and proof before sending to print.
When to Use Each Format
- Use hex for CSS, design tokens, and anywhere you need a compact, machine-readable color value. It is the default in most style guides.
- Use HSL when choosing or adjusting colors — changing lightness by +10% is a predictable, visible adjustment. HSL is the best format for building color systems and palettes.
- Use RGB when working with canvas, WebGL, or programmatic color manipulation where you need direct channel access.
- Use CMYK only for print output. Never assume a screen color will match ink — always convert and get a physical proof.
Tips for Accurate Color Conversion
Color conversion is not always lossless. The sRGB color space used by screens covers a different gamut (range of colors) than CMYK print, so some vivid screen colors cannot be reproduced in ink. When converting from RGB to CMYK, expect bright blues, greens, and oranges to become duller. Always preview the CMYK result and adjust your design before committing to print.
For web projects, hex and HSL conversions are exact because they describe the same color space. If you need a color with full precision, use 8-digit hex (adding an alpha channel like #FF5733CC) or CSS oklch() for perceptually uniform color manipulation in modern browsers.
Color Converter FAQ
Are hex and RGB interchangeable?
Yes, for the same color space (sRGB). Every hex code converts exactly to an RGB value and back with no loss. They are two representations of the same color.
Why does my RGB color look different on another screen?
Screens are calibrated differently, and color accuracy varies by display technology. OLED screens show more vivid colors than LCD, and uncalibrated monitors shift hue and brightness. For critical color work, use a hardware-calibrated monitor.
What is the difference between HSL and HSV?
HSL uses Lightness (0% black, 50% pure hue, 100% white), while HSV uses Value (0% black, 100% pure hue). HSL is more intuitive for designers because lightness directly controls brightness, making it easier to build consistent color scales.