What's the difference between RGB and HEX?

They represent the same color space. HEX is a compact hexadecimal notation of RGB values.

When should I use HSL vs RGB?

HSL is more intuitive for adjustments, while RGB is the native format for screens and precise matching.

Why doesn't my CMYK conversion match print exactly?

RGB is additive light while CMYK is subtractive ink. Some screen colors cannot be reproduced in print.

Color Converter - HEX, RGB, HSL, CMYK Online

Why I Built This Color Converter

Designer sends me a color in HEX. CSS needs HSL for the hover state. The marketing deck needs RGB values. And someone asks "what's that in CMYK for print?" I got tired of Googling color conversions, so I built this.

Honestly, as a developer, I deal with colors constantly - CSS variables, design tokens, theming systems. This tool lets me paste any color format and instantly get all the others. One input, all outputs. Done.

All the Formats You Need

HEX - The classic web format (#3498db)
RGB/RGBA - What your screen actually uses (0-255 per channel)
HSL - My favorite for CSS because adjustments make sense
HSV/HSB - What Figma and Photoshop use in their color pickers
CMYK - For when you need to send something to print

I also use the color picker when I need to quickly grab a color from memory and the random button when I'm prototyping and need placeholder colors fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

HEX vs RGB - what's the actual difference?

Honestly? Nothing, except notation. #FF0000 and rgb(255, 0, 0) are the exact same red. HEX is just the RGB values written in hexadecimal. I use HEX in CSS because it's shorter, but RGB when I need to add transparency (RGBA).

Why do you say HSL is better for adjustments?

Here's why I love HSL: want a darker button on hover? Just reduce the L (lightness) by 10%. Want a more muted color? Lower the S (saturation). With RGB, you'd have to adjust all three values and hope they look right. HSL just makes more sense for tweaking colors.

My print colors look different from the screen - why?

Yep, this is a real problem. Screens use RGB (additive light), printers use CMYK (subtractive ink). Some bright screen colors literally cannot be printed - there's no ink combination that makes that neon green you see on your monitor. The CMYK values here are a mathematical conversion, but for production print work, you really need a proper color management system and printer profiles.

Color Converter