Color Converter
Convert between HEX, RGB, and HSL.
What is a Color Converter?
A color converter is a tool that translates a color value from one representation format to another — for example, from HEX (#00b894) to RGB (rgb(0, 184, 148)) or HSL (hsl(168, 100%, 36%)) — so designers and developers can use the correct format required by their tool or stylesheet.
How to Use the Color Converter
- Click the color picker or type a HEX value directly into the HEX input field (e.g.,
#3498db). - The RGB and HSL equivalents are calculated and displayed instantly as you type.
- Click the Copy icon next to any field to copy that color value to your clipboard.
- The color preview swatch updates in real time so you can visually confirm the color.
- Use the copied value directly in your CSS, Tailwind config, Figma, or design system.
Common Use Cases
- Converting brand HEX colors to RGB for use in CSS
rgba()transparency values. - Translating design tool color outputs (Figma, Sketch) from HEX to HSL for CSS custom properties.
- Finding the HSL representation of a color to programmatically adjust lightness or saturation in CSS.
- Converting color palette values when migrating between different CSS preprocessors (Sass, Less).
- Checking color accessibility by obtaining the HSL lightness value to estimate contrast ratios.
- Converting colors for canvas or WebGL applications that require normalized RGB values.
Why Use an Online Color Converter?
Color format conversion involves non-trivial mathematics — especially the HEX-to-HSL conversion which requires normalisation and trigonometric operations. Doing this by hand is error-prone. An online converter handles all the calculation instantly, provides a visual preview so you can confirm the color is correct, and lets you copy each format independently. No browser extension or design tool subscription required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?
HEX is a six-character hexadecimal string (#RRGGBB) commonly used in HTML and CSS. RGB expresses the same color as three decimal values for red, green, and blue channels (0–255 each). HSL describes color using Hue (0–360 degrees on the color wheel), Saturation (0–100% color intensity), and Lightness (0–100% from black to white), which is often more intuitive for making color adjustments.
Which format should I use in my CSS?
All three are valid in modern CSS. HEX is the most compact for static colors. Use rgba() (RGB with alpha) when you need transparency. Use hsl() or hsla() when you want to programmatically manipulate colors — for example, generating a lighter shade by only changing the lightness value.
Does this tool support 8-digit HEX codes with alpha?
The current tool works with the standard 6-digit HEX format (#RRGGBB). 8-digit HEX with alpha channel (#RRGGBBAA) is not yet supported. For alpha/transparency, convert first then use the RGB values inside an rgba() function with your desired opacity.
Related Tools
Explore more free developer tools: Glassmorphism Generator — build frosted-glass CSS effects using color values you convert here. Unit Converter — convert design measurement units like px to rem and em for responsive layouts. Gradient Generator — create CSS gradients using the HEX and RGB colors you look up with this converter.