HEX vs RGB vs HSL: Which Color Format Should You Use?
Confused by color codes? We break down the differences between HEX, RGB, and HSL, and when to use each one in your design workflow.
If you've ever opened a design tool or inspected a website's code, you've seen them: #FF5733, rgb(255, 87, 51), hsl(10, 100%, 60%). They all represent the same color, but they speak different languages.
HEX: The Web Standard
HEX (Hexadecimal) is the most common format for web design. It uses a six-digit code to represent Red, Green, and Blue values. It's compact and easy to copy-paste, making it a favorite for developers.
RGB: The Digital Native
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is how screens actually work. By mixing these three colors of light, you can create over 16 million colors. It's intuitive if you understand additive color mixing, but hard to tweak intuitively.
HSL: The Human Friendly Choice
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is designed for humans, not machines.
- Hue: The color itself (0-360 degrees on the color wheel).
- Saturation: How vivid the color is (0-100%).
- Lightness: How bright the color is (0-100%).
Convert Instantly
Don't waste time doing the math. Use our Color Converter to switch between formats instantly and find the perfect shade for your project.
Try it yourself!
Ready to put this into practice? Check out our free Color Converter and see how it can help you today.
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