Understanding Color Formats

Colors on the web can be represented in multiple formats: HEX, RGB, and HSL. Each format has its own advantages for different use cases in web design and development.

HEX Color Format

Hexadecimal color codes use 6 digits (0-9, A-F) to represent colors. Format: #RRGGBB

• Example: #FF5733 (orange-red color)
• Advantage: Compact, widely used in CSS
• Usage: CSS, HTML, design tools

RGB Color Format

RGB uses three values (0-255) for Red, Green, and Blue channels.

• Example: rgb(255, 87, 51)
• Advantage: Intuitive for adjusting individual color channels
• Usage: CSS, JavaScript, image processing
• RGBA: Add alpha channel for transparency: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5)

HSL Color Format

HSL represents colors using Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), and Lightness (0-100%).

• Example: hsl(9, 100%, 60%)
• Advantage: Easier to create color variations and harmonies
• Usage: Design systems, color palette generation
• HSLA: Add alpha channel: hsla(9, 100%, 60%, 0.5)

When to Use Each Format

• HEX: Quick CSS styling, brand colors, static designs
• RGB: Dynamic color manipulation, gradients, JavaScript
• HSL: Color schemes, themes, accessibility adjustments

Color Accessibility

• Ensure sufficient contrast (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
• Test with color blindness simulators
• Don't rely solely on color to convey information
• Use HSL to adjust lightness for better contrast

Popular Color Palettes

• Monochromatic: Variations of a single hue
• Analogous: Colors next to each other on color wheel
• Complementary: Opposite colors on color wheel
• Triadic: Three colors evenly spaced on color wheel