Color Converter - HEX to RGB, HSL & HSV Online
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, and HSV formats with live preview. Pick colors visually and copy CSS color codes — free color code converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Color Converter?
A Color Converter is a tool that transforms color values between different formats such as HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. Each format represents colors differently: HEX uses hexadecimal notation (#FF5733), RGB uses red-green-blue values (rgb(255, 87, 51)), HSL uses hue-saturation-lightness (hsl(14, 100%, 60%)), and CMYK is used for print. This tool enables seamless conversion for web development, design, and accessibility work.
What's the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?
HEX is a compact 6-digit hexadecimal format (#RRGGBB) commonly used in CSS and design tools. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) uses decimal values 0-255 for each channel, making it intuitive for programmatic manipulation. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more human-friendly: hue is the color (0-360 degrees), saturation is intensity (0-100%), and lightness is brightness (0-100%). Use HEX for compact notation, RGB for calculations, and HSL when adjusting color properties visually.
What's the difference between HSV and HSL?
Both HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) and HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) use the same hue component (0-360 degrees), but differ in how they represent brightness. In HSV, maximum Value (V=100%) gives pure colors, while in HSL, maximum Lightness (L=100%) always results in white. HSV is preferred by graphic designers and color pickers because it maps more intuitively to mixing paint. HSL is better for CSS because adjusting lightness creates predictable tints and shades.
What is WCAG contrast ratio and why does it matter?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio measures the luminance difference between foreground and background colors. The ratio ranges from 1:1 (no contrast) to 21:1 (black on white). For accessibility compliance, normal text requires 4.5:1 (AA) or 7:1 (AAA), while large text (18px+ bold or 24px+) requires 3:1 (AA) or 4.5:1 (AAA). Proper contrast ensures content is readable for users with visual impairments and in various lighting conditions.
What are color harmonies and how do I use them?
Color harmonies are combinations of colors that are aesthetically pleasing based on their positions on the color wheel. Complementary colors are opposite each other (e.g., blue and orange), creating high contrast. Analogous colors are adjacent (e.g., blue, blue-green, green), creating harmonious designs. Triadic colors form a triangle (e.g., red, yellow, blue), offering balanced variety. Use complementary for emphasis, analogous for cohesive designs, and triadic for vibrant interfaces.
Is this color converter secure and private?
Yes. This tool runs 100% in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No color data, palettes, or design information is ever sent to any server. All conversions, contrast calculations, and palette generation happen locally on your device. This makes it safe for working with confidential brand colors, client projects, or any sensitive design work.
Code Examples
// HEX to RGB
const hexToRgb = (hex) => {
const result = /^#?([a-f\d]{2})([a-f\d]{2})([a-f\d]{2})$/i.exec(hex);
return result ? {
r: parseInt(result[1], 16),
g: parseInt(result[2], 16),
b: parseInt(result[3], 16)
} : null;
};
// RGB to HSL
const rgbToHsl = (r, g, b) => {
r /= 255; g /= 255; b /= 255;
const max = Math.max(r, g, b), min = Math.min(r, g, b);
let h, s, l = (max + min) / 2;
if (max === min) { h = s = 0; }
else {
const d = max - min;
s = l > 0.5 ? d / (2 - max - min) : d / (max + min);
switch (max) {
case r: h = ((g - b) / d + (g < b ? 6 : 0)) / 6; break;
case g: h = ((b - r) / d + 2) / 6; break;
case b: h = ((r - g) / d + 4) / 6; break;
}
}
return { h: Math.round(h * 360), s: Math.round(s * 100), l: Math.round(l * 100) };
};
console.log(hexToRgb('#FF5733')); // { r: 255, g: 87, b: 51 }
console.log(rgbToHsl(255, 87, 51)); // { h: 11, s: 100, l: 60 }