What This Tool Does
This color tool lets you pick a color visually or enter a HEX, RGB, or HSL value, then displays equivalent values in all common formats including CMYK. It also shows a large color preview, making it easy to copy the right format for your CSS, design file, or print job.
Inputs Explained
- Color Picker: Visual swatch picker. Click and drag to choose a color.
- HEX: 6-digit hex code with or without leading # (e.g., #2563eb).
- RGB: Red, Green, Blue values from 0–255.
- HSL: Hue (0–360°), Saturation (0–100%), Lightness (0–100%).
How It Works
When you change any input, the others update automatically. HEX is parsed into RGB. RGB is converted to HSL using standard color space math, and to CMYK by inverting RGB to obtain CMY then extracting the K (black) component.
Formula / Logic Used
Color Picker & Converter (HEX, RGB, HSL)
Pick a color and convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK formats instantly.
Quick Copy
Step-by-Step Example
Picked color: A medium royal blue
HEX: #2563eb
RGB: rgb(37, 99, 235)
HSL: hsl(221, 83%, 53%)
CMYK: cmyk(84%, 58%, 0%, 8%) — useful for print design
Use Cases
- Web design CSS: Pick brand colors and copy them in HEX, RGB, or HSL for stylesheets.
- Print design: Convert RGB screen colors to CMYK for accurate print output.
- Brand consistency: Confirm a hex code matches the intended visual color across mockups.
- Accessibility checking: Get HSL values to easily adjust lightness for sufficient contrast.
- Logo and graphic prep: Provide colors in any format your client or printer requires.
Assumptions and Limitations
- CMYK conversion is mathematical — actual printed color depends heavily on the printer, paper, and ink.
- The color picker uses sRGB color space. Wide-gamut colors (P3, Rec.2020) are clipped.
- HEX with alpha (8-digit, like #2563ebcc) is not yet supported — alpha is always 100%.
- Some monitor calibrations show colors slightly differently. Trust the numeric values, not the visual preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my CMYK look different on screen?
CMYK is a print color model and screens display in RGB. The conversion is mathematical and represents how much of each ink to use, but the actual printed color depends on paper, ink, and printer calibration.
Should I use HEX or RGB in CSS?
They are equivalent. HEX is shorter for solid colors. RGB(A) supports alpha transparency directly. HSL is preferred when you need to adjust hue, saturation, or lightness mathematically.
What is HSL good for?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) lets you generate color variations easily — same hue but lighter/darker, or same lightness but different hue. It's much more intuitive than tweaking RGB values.
How do I add transparency to a color?
In CSS use rgba(R,G,B,A) where A is 0–1, or hsla(H,S,L,A). HEX also supports 8-digit form (#RRGGBBAA) but support varies. This tool focuses on opaque colors.
Is the color picker accurate for design work?
Yes for screen design. For print design or color-critical work, use a calibrated monitor and verify with your print provider's swatch book.
Will my colors be saved?
No. The picker runs entirely in your browser. No color data is sent or stored anywhere.
What's the difference between sRGB, P3, and Adobe RGB?
They are different color spaces (gamuts). sRGB is the web standard and what most screens display. P3 is wider-gamut (newer Apple devices). Adobe RGB is used in print and photography. This tool uses sRGB.
Can I use this for branded colors?
Yes. Enter your brand HEX code and read off the equivalent RGB, HSL, and CMYK values for design files, print, or signage.
Sources and References
- W3C — CSS Color Module Level 4 — Standard for CSS color formats including HEX, RGB, HSL, and OKLCH.
- MDN — color value — Reference for CSS color formats.
- Wikipedia — HSL and HSV — Background on cylindrical color spaces.
- Wikipedia — CMYK Color Model — Background on the CMYK print color model.