Color Format Converter - HEX RGB HSL CMYK Color Converter Tool

Convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, LAB, LCH, CMYK formats instantly. Free online color converter with CSS named colors, batch conversion, and export options. Perfect for designers and developers.

Last updated: 1/26/2025

Conversion Mode

Single Color

Input Format

Color Preview

#FF5733
RGB(255, 87, 51)

All Format Conversions

hex
#FF5733
rgb
rgb(255, 87, 51)
hsl
hsl(11, 1%, 1%)
hsv
hsv(11, 80%, 100%)
cmyk
cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)
lab
lab(60%, 62%, 54%)
lch
lch(60%, 82%, 41°)
named
No named equivalent

Understanding Color Formats

Different color formats serve various purposes in design and development. Learn when and how to use each format effectively.

HEX (#RRGGBB)

Most common web format. Compact 6-character representation perfect for CSS, HTML, and web development. Easy to copy and share between designers and developers.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

How computer monitors display colors using light. Values range 0-255 for each channel. Ideal for digital displays, web development, and screen-based designs.

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)

More intuitive for humans. Hue (0-360°) selects color, Saturation (0-100%) controls intensity, Lightness (0-100%) controls brightness. Great for color manipulation.

CMYK (Print Colors)

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black) for printing. Subtractive color model using inks. Essential for print design, brochures, and physical marketing materials.

LAB (Lightness, A, B)

Device-independent color space. L for lightness, A for green-red, B for blue-yellow. Used in professional color management and accurate color reproduction.

CSS Named Colors

147 predefined color names like 'red', 'blue', 'lightcoral'. Convenient for rapid prototyping and simple designs. Universally recognized across web browsers.

Color Format Best Practices

Web Development

  • Use HEX for solid colors in CSS and HTML
  • Use RGB/RGBA for colors with transparency
  • Use HSL for dynamic color manipulation
  • Named colors for quick prototyping
  • CSS custom properties for maintainable color systems

Print Design

  • Always use CMYK for final print files
  • Convert RGB designs to CMYK early
  • Check color gamut limitations
  • Use LAB for accurate color matching
  • Request print proofs for critical colors

Frequently Asked Questions

What color formats can I convert between?

Our converter supports HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV/HSB, LAB, LCH, CMYK, and CSS named colors (147 standard names). You can convert from any format to any other format with real-time updates as you type.

What's the difference between RGB and HSL color formats?

RGB uses Red, Green, Blue values (0-255 each) and is how computers display colors. HSL uses Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), and Lightness (0-100%) and is more intuitive for humans to understand and manipulate colors.

When should I use CMYK vs RGB colors?

Use RGB for digital displays (websites, apps, digital art) as monitors emit light. Use CMYK for print materials (brochures, business cards) as printers use cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) inks. Note that some RGB colors cannot be accurately reproduced in CMYK.

Can I convert multiple colors at once?

Yes! Use our batch conversion feature to upload a CSV file with multiple colors or paste a list of colors. You can then export the converted results as a spreadsheet or JSON file for easy use in your projects.

How accurate are the color conversions?

Our conversions use industry-standard algorithms and are mathematically precise. However, note that some color spaces have different gamuts - not all colors can be perfectly represented in every format, especially when converting between RGB and CMYK.

What are CSS named colors and how many are supported?

CSS named colors are predefined color names like 'red', 'blue', 'lightcoral', etc. We support all 147 standard CSS named colors. Simply type a color name and see its values in all other formats instantly.

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