Dev & Data ToolboxColor Converter
Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK with advanced color tools
Royal Blue
#667eea
Note: CMYK conversion is a screen approximation. Actual print colors may vary.
Color History
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Quick Actions
Free Online Color Converter
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK formats instantly. Generate color harmonies, check accessibility contrast ratios, and copy color codes with one click. Perfect for web designers, developers, and anyone who works with colors. All processing happens in your browser - your colors stay private.
How to Convert Your Colors in 3 Easy Steps
Enter Color
Type a HEX color code, adjust RGB/HSL sliders, or use the color picker to select your color.
View Conversions
All color formats update instantly. Explore harmonies and check accessibility contrast ratios.
Copy & Share
Click the copy button next to any format or share your color with a unique URL.
Supported Color Conversions
HEX to RGB
Convert hexadecimal color codes to RGB values. Perfect for web development and CSS.
RGB to HSL
Convert RGB colors to HSL for more intuitive color adjustments and web design.
HEX to CMYK
Convert web colors to CMYK for print design. Note: This is a screen approximation.
HSL to RGB
Convert HSL colors back to RGB for web development and digital design.
Key Features of Our Color Converter
Real-Time Conversion
All color formats update instantly as you type or adjust sliders. No waiting or refresh needed.
Color Harmonies
Generate complementary, analogous, triadic, and split-complementary color schemes automatically.
Accessibility Checker
Check WCAG AA and AAA compliance for text contrast against white and black backgrounds.
Interactive Sliders
Fine-tune colors with intuitive RGB and HSL sliders for precise color control.
One-Click Copy
Copy any color format with a single click. Includes HEX, RGB, HSL, CMYK, and CSS code.
URL Sharing
Share colors via URL. The color is embedded in the link for easy sharing and bookmarking.
Understanding Web Color Models
What is a HEX Color Code?
HEX colors are six-digit hexadecimal codes that represent RGB values. They're widely used in web design and CSS because they're compact and easy to read. Each pair of digits represents red, green, and blue values.
What is an RGB Color Model?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model used for digital displays. Each color channel ranges from 0-255, where 0 is no color and 255 is full intensity. Combining all three creates any color.
What is an HSL Color Model?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive for humans. Hue is the color angle (0-360°), saturation is color intensity (0-100%), and lightness is brightness (0-100%). Perfect for color adjustments.
What is a CMYK Color Model?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used for printing. Each value is a percentage (0-100%). Note: Screen conversion is an approximation - actual print colors may vary.
HEX vs RGB vs HSL: Which Should You Use?
| Format | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEX | Web development, CSS | Compact, universal support, easy to copy | Not intuitive for adjustments |
| RGB | Digital design, programming | Precise control, widely supported | Less intuitive than HSL |
| HSL | Color adjustments, design | Intuitive, easy adjustments | Less universal support |
| CMYK | Print design | Print-optimized, professional | Screen approximation only |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you convert HEX to RGB manually?
To convert HEX to RGB manually, split the 6-digit code into three 2-digit pairs. Convert each pair from hexadecimal to decimal: #FF5733 becomes FF=255, 57=87, 33=51, so rgb(255, 87, 51).
What is the alpha channel (RGBA/HSLA)?
The alpha channel controls transparency. RGBA and HSLA add a fourth value (0-1 or 0-100%) for opacity. For example, rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) is 50% transparent. Our converter focuses on solid colors, but you can add alpha values manually.
Why is choosing accessible colors important?
Accessible colors ensure text is readable for all users, including those with visual impairments. WCAG guidelines require minimum contrast ratios: 4.5:1 for normal text (AA) and 7:1 for AAA compliance. Our accessibility checker helps you meet these standards.
How do I find the complementary color of a HEX code?
Complementary colors are opposite on the color wheel (180° apart). Our tool automatically generates complementary colors in the Harmonies tab. For manual conversion, add 180° to the HSL hue value (wrapping around 360° if needed).
What is the difference between screen colors (RGB) and print colors (CMYK)?
RGB is additive (light-based) for screens, while CMYK is subtractive (ink-based) for printing. RGB can display more vibrant colors, but CMYK has a smaller color gamut. Our CMYK conversion is a screen approximation - actual print colors may differ due to printer and paper variations.
Is my color data safe and private?
Yes! All color conversion happens entirely in your browser. No color data is sent to our servers. Your colors stay completely private and secure. The only data shared is the color code in the URL if you choose to share it.
Best Practices for Color Usage
Check Accessibility
Always verify contrast ratios meet WCAG guidelines for inclusive design.
Use Color Harmonies
Generate complementary and analogous colors for cohesive color schemes.
Consider Context
Test colors in their intended environment (web, print, mobile).
Maintain Consistency
Use consistent color formats throughout your project for easier maintenance.
Document Your Colors
Keep a color palette with all formats for team collaboration and future reference.
Test Across Devices
Verify colors look good on different screens and in various lighting conditions.
Technical Information
Processing
- • All color conversion happens in your browser
- • No data is sent to external servers
- • Real-time color conversion and harmonies
- • Supports all major color formats
- • Accessibility checking with WCAG compliance
Browser Compatibility
- • Works on all modern browsers
- • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- • Mobile-friendly responsive design
- • Dark mode support
- • Color picker support
Privacy & Security
Your privacy is our top priority. Our color converter tool processes all color data locally in your browser, ensuring that your data never leaves your device. We don't collect, store, or transmit any of your color information.