Color Converter
Convert colors between HEX, RGB, and HSL formats. Pick a color visually or enter values directly — all formats update in real time.
All Formats
Color Formats Explained
- HEX — Hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB) commonly used in CSS and design tools. Each pair of characters represents the red, green, and blue channels in base-16.
- RGB — Red, Green, Blue values from 0 to 255, used in CSS and programming. RGBA adds an alpha channel (0-1) for transparency.
- HSL — Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%). HSL is ideal for creating color variations because adjusting lightness or saturation is intuitive compared to shifting RGB values.
When to Use Each Format
HEX is the most compact and widely supported notation — use it for simple, solid colors in CSS stylesheets. RGB and RGBA work best when you need to calculate colors programmatically or apply transparency. HSL shines when building design systems or creating hover effects, because you can lighten or darken a color by simply adjusting the lightness value without touching the hue.
Color Conversion Tips
Converting between color formats is lossless — you get the exact same color regardless of format. This tool converts instantly as you type, so you can experiment with different values and see all three formats update in real time. Use the visual color picker to find a color, then copy the format you need for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?
HEX uses hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB), RGB uses Red/Green/Blue values (0-255), and HSL uses Hue/Saturation/Lightness. They all represent the same colors, just in different formats.
Which color format should I use in CSS?
Use HEX for simple colors, HSL when you need to adjust lightness or saturation (e.g., hover effects), and RGB/RGBA when you need transparency.
Does this tool support transparency?
The converter handles solid colors in HEX, RGB, and HSL. For transparency, add an alpha channel manually (e.g., rgba or hsla).