Color Code Converter

Convert between HEX, RGB, and HSL color formats using the inputs or the color picker.

The Ultimate Developer's Guide to Color Models (HEX, RGB, HSL)

Welcome to our free, fast, and secure Color Converter. This tool is an essential utility for web developers, UI/UX designers, and digital artists. It provides an intuitive online color picker and instant, two-way conversion between the three most important color models used in web design: HEX (Hexadecimal), RGB (Red, Green, Blue), and HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness).

This color code converter is 100% client-side, meaning all calculations happen securely in your browser. No color data is ever sent to our servers, ensuring your work remains private. Whether you need to convert HEX to RGB, find the HSL value of a HEX code, or convert RGB to HSL, this tool is your one-click solution.

Core Tool Features

Visual Color Picker

Use the built-in color picker to find the perfect shade and get all its codes.

Two-Way Conversion

Change any value (HEX, RGB, or HSL) and all other fields will update in real-time.

100% Secure & Private

All conversions happen in your browser. No data is ever uploaded.

Understanding Web Color Models

To master web design and development, you must understand the different ways we tell a computer what color to display. This tool converts between the three most important models: HEX, RGB, and HSL.

1. RGB (Red, Green, Blue): The Additive Model

The RGB color model is the foundation of all digital displays. Your monitor, phone screen, and TV all create colors by mixing different intensities of **R**ed, **G**reen, and **B**lue light. This is an "additive" model, meaning you start with black (no light) and *add* light to create color.

In CSS, you can also use RGBA, which adds an 'Alpha' (transparency) channel: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5) would be a 50% transparent red.

2. HEX (Hexadecimal): The Developer's Shorthand

A HEX color code is simply a different way of writing an RGB value. It is the most common color format you'll see in HTML, CSS, and design software. A HEX code is a 6-digit (or sometimes 3-digit) string preceded by a hash (`#`).

It works by representing each of the RGB values (0-255) as a two-digit hexadecimal number (00-FF).

For example, `rgb(255, 102, 0)` is converted like this: 255 = `FF`, 102 = `66`, 0 = `00`. The resulting HEX code is #FF6600. Our RGB to HEX converter does this math instantly.

3-Digit HEX Shorthand: If both digits for a color are the same, you can use a 3-digit shorthand. #FF00CC becomes #F0C. Our tool provides the standard 6-digit code for maximum compatibility.

3. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness): The Intuitive Model

The HSL color model is by far the most intuitive for humans because it aligns with how we *think* about color. Instead of mixing light, you "pick" a color and then adjust its intensity and brightness.

This model is a favorite of designers and CSS developers for creating themes. Need a hover state for a button? Just take its HSL value and decrease the Lightness by 10%. Need a disabled state? Decrease the Saturation by 50%. Our HEX to HSL and RGB to HSL converters make this easy.

How to Use Our Color Converter Tool

Our tool is designed for seamless, two-way conversion.

  1. Use the Color Picker: The easiest way to start is to click the large color swatch at the top. This opens your browser's native color picker. As you move the selector, the HEX, RGB, and HSL values will all update in real-time.
  2. Enter a HEX Code: Type or paste any 6-digit hex code (e.g., `#34A853`) into the HEX input. The RGB and HSL fields will instantly update.
  3. Enter an RGB Value: Type an RGB value (e.g., `52, 168, 83`) into the RGB input. The HEX and HSL fields will update.
  4. Enter an HSL Value: Type an HSL value (e.g., `141, 52, 43`) into the HSL input. The HEX and RGB fields will update.
  5. Copy Any Value: Click the "Copy" button next to any format to instantly copy the code to your clipboard.

This real-time, bi-directional conversion makes our tool a powerful color calculator for any design or development task.

Related Tools for Designers & Developers

Working with colors is often just one part of the job. You may also find these tools useful:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a color code converter?

A color code converter is a tool that translates a color value from one format (or 'color model') to another. This tool, for example, allows you to take a HEX code (like #FF0000) and instantly find its equivalent RGB value (rgb(255, 0, 0)) and HSL value (hsl(0, 100%, 50%)).

What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?

They are all ways to describe a color. **HEX (Hexadecimal)** is a 6-digit code (e.g., #FF9900) used in HTML/CSS. **RGB (Red, Green, Blue)** is an 'additive' model used for screens, defining a color by the intensity of red, green, and blue light (e.g., rgb(255, 153, 0)). **HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)** is an intuitive model, defining a color by its angle on the color wheel (Hue), its intensity (Saturation), and its brightness (Lightness).

Is this color converter tool secure and private?

Yes, 100%. This is a client-side tool. All conversions and calculations happen in your browser. No data, color codes, or selections are ever sent to our servers. It is completely safe to use for any project.

What is the difference between 3-digit and 6-digit HEX codes?

A 6-digit HEX code (e.g., `#FF66AA`) provides a precise color. A 3-digit code (e.g., `#F6A`) is a shorthand that only works if both digits for each color are the same. `#F6A` is just a shortcut for `#FF66AA`.

How do I use the color picker?

Simply click on the color swatch at the top of the tool. This will open your browser's native color picker. As you select a color, all three fields (HEX, RGB, HSL) will update in real-time. This is the easiest way to find a new color and get its codes in all formats.

What is HSL good for in web design?

HSL is fantastic for creating color palettes and themes. For example, you can create a full range of button states (default, hover, active) by keeping the Hue and Saturation the same and only changing the Lightness (e.g., 50% for default, 45% for hover, 40% for active).