What is the difference between RGB and HEX?

RGB uses decimal values (0-255) for red, green, and blue, while HEX uses hexadecimal (00-FF). Both represent the same colors, just different formats.

What are complementary colors?

Complementary colors are opposite on the color wheel (180° apart). They create high contrast and visual pop when used together.

Tools Calculators

Color Picker

Select and convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, CMYK, and other formats with an intuitive visual color picker. Perfect for web design, graphic design, branding, and creative projects with instant color code conversion and palette generation.

How to Use the Color Picker

Use the Color Picker to select and convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, CMYK, and other formats with an intuitive visual color picker. Perfect for web design, graphic design, branding, and creative projects with instant color code conversion and palette generation.. Enter your values to get accurate, instant results tailored to your situation.

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Color Theory Essentials

Design with professional color schemes

Expert Tips

Use 60-30-10 Rule: Design rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent. Creates visual balance without overwhelming. Restaurants use warm accent colors (red, orange) to stimulate appetite—adding 10% increases sales 15%.
Complementary Colors Pop: Colors opposite on wheel (180° apart) create maximum contrast. Blue + Orange, Red + Green. Use for CTAs—conversion rates increase 21% with complementary button colors vs monochrome.
HSL Over RGB for Adjustments: HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) easier for design tweaks. Keep hue constant, adjust saturation/lightness for shades. RGB requires changing 3 values—HSL changes just 1-2.
Test Color Contrast: WCAG requires 4.5:1 contrast ratio for text. Dark text on light = better readability. Check with browser dev tools. Poor contrast reduces readability 40% and accessibility compliance.

Essential Fundamentals — Understanding color formats

Color Formats

HEX Format: Hexadecimal: #RRGGBB. Each pair = 00-FF (0-255). #FF5733 = Red:255, Green:87, Blue:51. Most common in web design. Compact and universal.
RGB Format: Red-Green-Blue: rgb(255, 87, 51). Each value 0-255. Intuitive for programmers. Supports alpha channel: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5) for transparency.
HSL Format: Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%). Hue = color wheel position. Best for design adjustments—change one value to create variations.
CMYK Format: Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black. Used for printing (not screens). Convert to CMYK for print projects—RGB colors look different when printed.

Advanced Strategies — Professional color schemes

Color Scheme Types

Analogous Scheme: Colors next to each other (±30° on wheel). Blue, Blue-Green, Green. Creates harmony and cohesion. Low contrast = soothing. Use for backgrounds and calming designs.
Triadic Scheme: Three colors evenly spaced (120° apart). Red, Yellow, Blue. High contrast, vibrant. Use one as dominant (60%), others as accents (30%, 10%). Logos and playful brands.
Monochromatic Scheme: Single hue, varying saturation/lightness. Professional and clean. Easy to execute. Use for minimalist designs—Apple, tech companies use this extensively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between RGB and HEX?: RGB uses decimal values (0-255) for red, green, and blue, while HEX uses hexadecimal (00-FF). Both represent the same colors, just different formats.
What are complementary colors?: Complementary colors are opposite on the color wheel (180° apart). They create high contrast and visual pop when used together.