liminfoColor Converter
Free web tool: Color Converter
About Color Converter
The Color Converter is a free online tool for converting colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK formats in real time. Enter a color value in any format — type a HEX code, adjust RGB sliders, set HSL values, or input CMYK percentages — and all other formats update instantly. A live color preview swatch shows the exact color as you make changes, and you can use the built-in color picker to visually select any color.
This tool is built for web developers writing CSS, UI/UX designers creating design systems, graphic designers preparing files for print, and anyone who needs to translate colors between digital (screen) and print formats. Whether you are converting a brand color from a Photoshop CMYK value to a CSS hex code, finding the HSL equivalent of an RGB color for CSS animations, or checking how a web color translates to print CMYK values, this converter handles it all.
All color math runs entirely in your browser with no server calls. The conversion algorithms implement the standard mathematical transformations between color spaces, ensuring accurate and consistent results across all supported formats.
Key Features
- Four-way color conversion between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK with instant synchronization
- Native color picker input for visually selecting colors from a full-spectrum palette
- Live color preview swatch that updates in real time as values change
- Individual RGB channel inputs (0-255) with input validation and clamping
- HSL inputs with separate hue (0-360), saturation (0-100%), and lightness (0-100%) controls
- CMYK percentage inputs (C, M, Y, K each 0-100%) for print color workflow
- One-click copy buttons for each format — copies CSS-ready values like rgb(59, 130, 246) or hsl(217, 91%, 60%)
- Bidirectional editing — change any format and all others recalculate automatically
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HEX color code?
A HEX color code is a 6-digit hexadecimal representation of a color used in HTML, CSS, and web design. It follows the format #RRGGBB, where each pair of characters represents the red, green, and blue channel intensity from 00 (0) to FF (255). For example, #FF0000 is pure red (R=255, G=0, B=0), #00FF00 is pure green, and #3B82F6 is a medium blue. HEX codes are the most common way to specify colors in CSS and are equivalent to RGB values written in base-16 notation.
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model used for screens and digital displays. Colors are created by adding light — combining all three at full intensity produces white. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used for printing. Colors are created by absorbing light with ink — combining all four inks produces black. A color that looks vibrant on screen (RGB) may appear duller in print (CMYK) because screens emit light while paper reflects it. This is why designers must convert between RGB and CMYK when moving from digital design to print production.
How do I convert HEX to RGB?
To convert HEX to RGB, split the 6-character hex string into three pairs and convert each pair from hexadecimal (base-16) to decimal (base-10). For example, #3B82F6 splits into 3B, 82, F6. Converting: 3B = 3x16+11 = 59, 82 = 8x16+2 = 130, F6 = 15x16+6 = 246. So #3B82F6 = rgb(59, 130, 246). This tool performs this conversion instantly — just type or paste a HEX code and the RGB values appear immediately.
When should I use HSL instead of RGB or HEX?
HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive for creating color variations and themes because its parameters map directly to how humans perceive color. Hue (0-360) is the color angle on the color wheel (0=red, 120=green, 240=blue). Saturation (0-100%) controls color intensity (0%=gray, 100%=vivid). Lightness (0-100%) controls brightness (0%=black, 50%=pure color, 100%=white). HSL is ideal for CSS hover effects (just adjust lightness), creating consistent color palettes (same hue, varying saturation/lightness), and understanding color relationships.
What color spaces are used in web design vs print design?
Web design uses RGB-based color spaces because screens emit light using red, green, and blue subpixels. CSS supports HEX (#3B82F6), rgb() functional notation, and hsl() notation. Print design uses CMYK because printers apply cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Professional print workflows often use ICC color profiles (like FOGRA39 or GRACoL) for precise color matching. When converting a web design to print, colors must be translated from RGB to CMYK, which can cause noticeable shifts — especially in bright blues and greens that fall outside the CMYK gamut.
Why do colors look different on screen compared to print?
Screen and print use fundamentally different color reproduction methods. Screens use additive RGB color (emitting light) with a wider color gamut, while printers use subtractive CMYK color (absorbing light from reflected paper) with a narrower gamut. Bright, saturated colors like electric blue (#0000FF) or neon green (#00FF00) simply cannot be reproduced with CMYK inks — they fall outside the printable gamut and must be approximated with the nearest achievable color. Additionally, paper type, ink quality, ambient lighting, and monitor calibration all affect how colors appear. For critical print work, always use a calibrated monitor and print color proofs.
How does the HEX to CMYK conversion work?
Converting HEX to CMYK is a two-step process. First, the HEX code is converted to RGB values (splitting the hex string into R, G, B decimal values). Then, RGB is converted to CMYK using the formula: K = 1 - max(R/255, G/255, B/255), C = (1 - R/255 - K) / (1 - K), M = (1 - G/255 - K) / (1 - K), Y = (1 - B/255 - K) / (1 - K). The results are expressed as percentages (0-100%). Note that this is a mathematical conversion — actual print CMYK values may differ due to ICC color profiles and ink/paper characteristics.
What CSS color formats does this tool output?
This tool outputs colors in all CSS-compatible formats: HEX notation (#3B82F6), RGB functional notation (rgb(59, 130, 246)), and HSL functional notation (hsl(217, 91%, 60%)). Each format includes a copy button that places the CSS-ready value on your clipboard, ready to paste directly into your stylesheet. The CMYK output (cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%)) is provided for print reference, though CMYK is not a native CSS color format.