Color Converter

Convert any color between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. Explore harmonies, blend colors, and simulate color blindness.

Last reviewed: April 2026
Reviewed by , software engineer · last updated April 2026

New to this tool? Click here for instructions

Enter any color in HEX, rgb(), hsl(), or hsv() format to begin.

Quick Answer

A color converter translates a color between formats — HEX (#FF5733), RGB (255, 87, 51), HSL, and CMYK — which all describe the same color for different uses (HEX and RGB for screens, CMYK for print). Enter a value in any format above to see the equivalents instantly. Conversion happens entirely in your browser.

How to Use the Color Converter

To use the Color Converter, follow these steps:

1. Enter a color: Type any HEX (#10b981), RGB (rgb(16,185,129)), or HSL (hsl(160,84%,39%)) value, or use the color picker.

2. View all formats: The Convert tab shows HEX, RGB, RGBA, HSL, HSLA, HSV, CMYK, and the nearest CSS named color simultaneously.

3. Explore harmonies: The Harmonies tab shows complementary, analogous, triadic, split-complementary, and tetradic color combinations.

4. Blend colors: Mix two colors at any ratio to find a middle value.

5. Simulate color blindness: See how the color looks under protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia.

When to Use the Color Converter

Use the Color Converter when you need to convert colors between different formats, explore color harmonies, blend colors, or simulate color blindness for design purposes.

How It Works

The Color Converter is a browser-based tool that allows you to convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. It also provides features to explore color harmonies, blend colors, and simulate color blindness. The tool uses a simple interface to input a color and view its conversions and related color combinations.

Tips, Edge Cases, or Limitations

1. The Color Converter is limited to browser-based operations and does not support file uploads or downloads.

2. The tool does not support advanced color theory concepts like color temperature or color psychology.

3. The color blindness simulation feature is based on simplified models and may not accurately represent all types of color vision deficiencies.

4. The tool is designed for general use and may not be suitable for professional design projects requiring high precision.

5. The Color Converter is free and accessible from any web browser, but it does not support offline use.

Frequently Asked Questions

RGB and HEX represent the same color space. RGB expresses colors as three decimal values (0-255) for red, green, and blue: rgb(16, 185, 129). HEX expresses the same values in base-16: #10b981. Both describe the same color - HEX is just a more compact notation used in CSS and HTML.
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Lightness. Hue is the color angle on a color wheel, saturation controls the vividness of the color, and lightness controls the brightness. HSL is often easier for designers to work with because it allows for intuitive adjustments to lightness and saturation.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is used for print design. It subtracts light by applying ink, unlike RGB which adds light (additive). CMYK is essential for ensuring that colors match what the printer produces, especially for vibrant screen colors that may not be accurately reproduced in CMYK.
Color harmonies refer to combinations of colors that work well together. Common types include complementary (opposite on the color wheel), analogous (adjacent on the color wheel), triadic (equal distances apart on the color wheel), split-complementary (one color opposite and one adjacent), and tetradic (two pairs of complementary colors).
Color blindness simulation allows you to see how a color would appear to someone with a specific type of color vision deficiency.

Quick reference

Color Converter Quick Reference
Color Name Hex Code RGB Values HSL Values
Red #FF0000 (255,0,0) (0,100%,50%)
Blue #0000FF (0,0,255) (240,100%,50%)
Green #00FF00 (0,255,0) (120,100%,50%)
Black #000000 (0,0,0) (0,0%,0%)
White #FFFFFF (255,255,255) (0,0%,100%)
Gray #808080 (128,128,128) (200,50%,75%)