Skip to content

Color Converter

Convert colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats with live preview.

#
#FF5733

Color Preview

Conversion Results

HEX
#FF5733
RGB
rgb(255, 87, 51)
HSL
hsl(11, 100%, 60%)
CMYK
cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)

Free Color Converter – Convert Between HEX, RGB & HSL Color Formats

Color representation in digital design uses multiple formats, each suited for different contexts. HEX codes are the web standard, RGB is used in screens and programming, and HSL provides an intuitive way to describe colors by hue, saturation, and lightness. Understanding how to convert between these formats is essential for web developers, graphic designers, and UI/UX professionals.

HEX (hexadecimal) colors use a 6-digit code preceded by a hash symbol, like #FF5733. Each pair of digits represents the red, green, and blue channels respectively, with values from 00 (0) to FF (255). This compact notation is the most common format in CSS and web design.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines colors by specifying the intensity of each primary color channel on a scale of 0 to 255. The format rgb(255, 87, 51) represents the same color as #FF5733. RGB is the native color model for screens and monitors, as each pixel physically emits red, green, and blue light.

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) describes colors in a more human-intuitive way. Hue is the color angle on the color wheel (0-360 degrees), saturation is the color intensity (0-100%), and lightness is how light or dark the color is (0-100%). HSL makes it easy to create color variations — just adjust lightness for shades and tints, or saturation for muted versions.

FAQ

Share
SponsoredAd

Professional design made easy with Canva

Create logos, social posts, presentations, and more with drag-and-drop simplicity.

FAQ

What is the difference between HEX and RGB?+
HEX and RGB represent the same color model (red, green, blue channels) but in different notation. HEX uses hexadecimal digits (00-FF), while RGB uses decimal numbers (0-255). #FF5733 in HEX equals rgb(255, 87, 51) in RGB. HEX is more common in CSS, while RGB is used in programming and design software.
Why is HSL useful for designers?+
HSL is intuitive because it separates color identity (hue) from its properties (saturation and lightness). To make a color darker, just decrease lightness. To make it more muted, decrease saturation. To find a complementary color, add 180 to the hue. This makes creating cohesive color palettes much easier than with RGB or HEX.
How do I find the complementary color?+
In HSL, the complementary color is found by adding 180 degrees to the hue value. For example, if your color has a hue of 11 degrees (orange-red), the complementary color has a hue of 191 degrees (cyan-blue). Keep the same saturation and lightness values for a balanced complement.
Can I use these color formats in CSS?+
Yes, all three formats work in CSS. HEX: color: #FF5733; RGB: color: rgb(255, 87, 51); HSL: color: hsl(11, 100%, 60%). Modern CSS also supports alpha transparency with rgba() and hsla() functions, where the fourth value (0-1) controls opacity.
What is a color wheel and how does hue relate to it?+
The color wheel arranges colors in a circle based on their hue angle: 0/360 degrees is red, 60 is yellow, 120 is green, 180 is cyan, 240 is blue, and 300 is magenta. HSL uses this wheel as the basis for its hue component, making it easy to find harmonious color combinations by using geometric relationships on the wheel.

Most Popular Tools