Color Picker & Converter
Pick colors and convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and other formats with a visual color wheel and palette.
About Color Picker & Converter
A color picker and converter is a visual tool that lets you select colors and convert between color formats including HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. Color precision is critical in web design, graphic design, and branding. Different contexts require different color formats — CSS uses HEX and RGB/HSL, design tools use CMYK for print, and programming may require any of these formats. This tool provides a unified interface for working with color across all these needs.
How to Use
Click or drag on the color wheel/spectrum to select a color visually, or enter a color value directly in any supported format (HEX, RGB, HSL). The converter instantly displays the color in all other formats. You can also extract colors from images by clicking on them, create palettes with complementary, analogous, or triadic color schemes, and copy color values to clipboard for use in your code.
Formula / Key Equations
HEX: #RRGGBB where RR, GG, BB are hexadecimal (00-FF). RGB: rgb(R, G, B) where each is 0-255. HSL: hsl(H, S%, L%) where H is 0-360 degrees, S and L are 0-100%. Conversion from HSL to RGB involves converting hue to RGB coordinates, then adjusting saturation and lightness.
Common Use Cases
Choosing brand colors and creating color palettes. Converting design mockup colors to CSS code. Ensuring consistent colors across web and print materials. Creating accessible color combinations (WCAG contrast ratios). Building UI component libraries with consistent color tokens. Designing data visualization color scales.
Limitations
The tool converts between standard color formats but cannot guarantee exact color matching across different displays (screens vary in color calibration). CMYK conversion is approximate and intended for reference — professional print work requires ICC color profiles. The color picker samples at screen resolution, which may not capture precise values from high-DPI images.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HEX and RGB?
HEX (#FF5733) and RGB (rgb(255, 87, 51)) represent the same color differently. HEX uses hexadecimal notation (base-16) while RGB uses decimal values (0-255). Both represent the same red, green, and blue channels. HEX is more compact and common in CSS, while RGB is more readable in programming.
What is HSL and when should I use it?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) represents color in a way that is more intuitive for humans. Hue is the color angle (0-360 on the color wheel), saturation is color intensity (0%=gray, 100%=full color), and lightness is brightness (0%=black, 50%=normal, 100%=white). HSL is ideal for creating color variations and themes.
How do I check if my colors are accessible?
Web accessibility (WCAG 2.1) requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use a contrast checker to verify your color combinations. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information — use patterns, labels, or icons as additional indicators.
What is CMYK used for?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used in printing. While screens use additive RGB color, printed materials use subtractive CMYK ink. Converting RGB to CMYK gives an approximate print equivalent, but professional print work requires ICC color profile management for accuracy.
Can I create a color palette from an existing color?
Yes. Most color tools can generate harmonious palettes from a base color using color theory: complementary (opposite on color wheel), analogous (adjacent colors), triadic (three equally spaced), and split-complementary. These schemes provide balanced, visually appealing color combinations.