#14B8A614B8A6rgb(20, 184, 166)rgba(20, 184, 166, 1)hsl(173, 80%, 40%)hsla(173, 80%, 40%, 1)What is Color Picker?
A color picker is a tool that allows you to select colors and obtain their values in different formats. Colors in web development are typically represented in HEX (hexadecimal), RGB (red-green-blue), or HSL (hue-saturation-lightness) formats. Understanding these formats is essential for CSS styling, design systems, and ensuring consistent color usage across your application.
How to Use
- Click on the color input to open your browser's color picker.
- Select any color visually or adjust the hue, saturation, and lightness.
- View the color preview in the large colored box on the right.
- Check the converted formats below: HEX, RGB, HSL and their variants.
- Click the copy button next to any format to copy it to your clipboard.
- Use preset colors for quick selection of commonly used values.
Why Use This Tool?
Tips & Best Practices
- HEX format (#RRGGBB) is most common in CSS - use uppercase for readability
- RGB is useful when you need to manipulate color components programmatically
- HSL is intuitive for designers - adjust hue for color, saturation for intensity
- RGBA and HSLA support alpha transparency (0-1) for semi-transparent elements
- For consistent design, store chosen colors in a design system or CSS variables
- Use color palettes that contrast well for accessibility (WCAG guidelines)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?
HEX is a hexadecimal representation of RGB values, compact and widely used in CSS (#RRGGBB). RGB separates the three color channels as numbers (0-255). HSL represents color as hue (0-360°), saturation (0-100%), and lightness (0-100%) - more intuitive for designers to adjust.
When should I use RGBA or HSLA?
Use RGBA or HSLA when you need transparency. The 'A' stands for alpha (opacity), ranging from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (fully opaque). For example, rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5) creates a semi-transparent red useful for overlays, backgrounds, and layered designs.
How do I convert colors programmatically?
In JavaScript, parse HEX with regex /^#?([a-fd]{2})([a-fd]{2})([a-fd]{2})$/i. For RGB to HSL, convert to percentages and calculate hue based on which channel is dominant. Many libraries (chroma.js, color) handle conversions automatically.
What are good practices for color in web design?
Use a limited palette (typically 3-5 primary colors). Ensure sufficient contrast for text (WCAG recommends 4.5:1 for normal text). Consider accessibility - some users may have color blindness. Test colors on different devices and screens. Use CSS variables for consistency.
Why does my color look different on different screens?
Colors can appear differently due to screen calibration, color profiles, and display technology. Web colors use sRGB color space, but some devices use different profiles. For critical applications like branding, test on multiple devices and consider Pantone colors for print.
How do I create color palettes?
Start with a primary brand color. Create variations by adjusting lightness (lighter and darker shades). Add complementary colors using color theory (colors opposite on the color wheel). Include neutral colors (grays) for backgrounds and text. Use tools like our Color Palette generator.