Free Online Tool for Color Code Conversion

Understanding Color Model Conversions HEX Color Codes HEX (Hexadecimal) represents colors using six hexadecimal digits preceded by #, with two digits each for red, green, and blue values from 00 to FF (0-255 in decimal). The format #RRGGBB makes #FF0000 pure red, #00FF00 pure green, and #0000FF pure blue. Web development universally uses HEX for CSS colors, with shorthand notation allowing #RGB when digits repeat (#F00 equals #FF0000). Each pair converts to decimal by multiplying the first digit by 16 and adding the second: #2A equals 42 in decimal (2×16 + 10). Modern CSS supports 8-digit HEX (#RRGGBBAA) adding alpha transparency, where #FFFFFF80 represents white at 50% opacity. RGB Color Model RGB (Red, Green, Blue) defines colors through additive light mixing, with each channel ranging 0-255 in standard 8-bit color. Computer monitors emit red, green, and blue light at varying intensities to create millions of colors. The notation rgb(255, 0, 0) produces red, while rgb(128, 128, 128) creates middle gray. CSS accepts percentage notation rgb(100%, 0%, 0%) and modern rgba() adding alpha transparency from 0 to 1. Converting RGB to HEX requires converting each decimal value to hexadecimal: rgb(154, 205, 50) becomes #9ACD32. Different color spaces (sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB) define different gamuts using the same numerical ranges. HSL Color Model HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) describes colors in cylindrical coordinates more intuitive for human perception. Hue ranges 0-360 degrees around a color wheel (0=red, 120=green, 240=blue), saturation 0-100% controls color purity, and lightness 0-100% controls brightness. The format hsl(180, 100%, 50%) produces pure cyan, while hsl(0, 0%, 50%) yields middle gray regardless of hue. Converting HSL to RGB requires complex formulas accounting for the hexagonal nature of RGB color space mapped to cylindrical HSL. Designers prefer HSL for creating color schemes: keeping hue constant while varying saturation and lightness produces harmonious palettes. CMYK Color Model CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) uses subtractive color for printing, where inks absorb light rather than emit it. Values typically range 0-100% indicating ink coverage, with cmyk(0, 100, 100, 0) producing red by combining magenta and yellow. The K (black) channel improves contrast and reduces ink usage compared to mixing CMY for black. Converting RGB to CMYK requires color profile information as printed colors cannot reproduce all screen colors (smaller gamut). No perfect mathematical conversion exists between RGB and CMYK without ICC profiles defining specific ink and paper characteristics. Professional printing requires CMYK files with colors adjusted for the target press and substrate. Practical Conversions Converting between models serves different purposes: HEX for web code, RGB for screen graphics, HSL for color selection, CMYK for print production. Direct conversion formulas work between HEX and RGB (simple base conversion) and RGB and HSL (geometric transformation). RGB to CMYK conversion approximates using K = 1 - max(R,G,B), C = (1-R-K)/(1-K), with similar formulas for M and Y. Color management systems use ICC profiles for accurate conversion, accounting for device characteristics and viewing conditions. Modern design software handles conversions automatically but understanding each model's strengths prevents color reproduction problems across media.