What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?

HEX is a compact 6-digit code used mainly in CSS and design tools. RGB expresses a color as red, green, and blue intensities (0-255 each). HSL describes a color by hue (the color itself), saturation (intensity), and lightness - often more intuitive for adjusting a color's brightness or vibrancy.

How do I convert a HEX color to RGB?

Split the HEX code into three pairs of digits (e.g. 3B, 82, F6), then convert each pair from base-16 to base-10. The picker does this instantly - #3B82F6 becomes RGB(59, 130, 246).

Can I use this to build a full color palette from one color?

Yes, once you pick a color, the tool automatically generates a complementary color, an analogous palette, a triadic palette, and a set of tints and shades below the picker.

Color & Design ToolsClient-Side Calculation Engine

Color Picker & Matcher

Pick, convert, and match HEX, RGB, and HSL colors.

Color & Design Tools

Color Picker & Matcher

Select colors, extract HEX, RGB, and HSL values, and match color combinations for design projects.

Select & Convert Color

Color Picker

HEX Code

RGB Channelsrgb(59, 130, 246)

R59

G130

B246

HSL Channelshsl(217°, 91%, 60%)

H217°

S91%

L60%

Color Formats & Copy

HEX

#3B82F6

RGB

rgb(59, 130, 246)

HSL

hsl(217, 91%, 60%)

Color Harmony & Palettes

Complementary Color

#F6AF3C

Analogous Palette

Triadic Palette

Split-Complementary Palette

Monochromatic Palette

Shades & Tints

Tints (Adding White)

Shades (Adding Black)

What is the Color Picker & Matcher and How Does It Work?

The Color Picker lets you select any color visually or by entering a HEX code, then instantly shows the equivalent RGB and HSL values alongside generated palettes, shades, and tints for that color - a complete color workspace in one tool.

Calculation Formula

HEX ↔ RGB ↔ HSL - three interchangeable representations of the same color

Every color you pick is simultaneously converted between HEX (web color codes), RGB (red/green/blue channel values from 0-255), and HSL (hue/saturation/lightness) so you can read or copy whichever format your project needs.

Where:

HEX= A 6-digit code like #3B82F6 representing RGB in base-16

RGB= Red, Green, Blue channel intensities, each 0-255

HSL= Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), Lightness (0-100%)

Worked Calculation Examples

A Standard Blue

Input:#3B82F6

Output:RGB(59, 130, 246), HSL(217°, 91%, 60%)

The picker converts the HEX code to its exact RGB channel values and equivalent HSL representation simultaneously.

Adjusting via RGB Sliders

Input:Drag the Blue channel slider to 0

Output:New HEX and HSL values update instantly

Every input method (HEX field, RGB sliders, HSL sliders, or the native color picker) stays perfectly in sync.

Common Real-World Use Cases

Web & UI Design

Pick a brand color and immediately get the CSS-ready HEX, RGB, or HSL syntax to paste into a stylesheet.

Design System Building

Generate matching palettes, shades, and tints from a single brand color for a consistent design system.

Cross-Tool Color Matching

Convert a color code from a design tool that uses HSL into the HEX format needed by a CSS framework.

How This Compares

Color Picker vs. the Other Color Tools

Color Picker, Color Converter, Color Matcher, Color Palette Generator, and Color Shade Generator all share the same interactive workspace - picking a color on any of them gives you formats, palette, and tints/shades together. Color Picker is the general starting point when you're exploring or don't have a specific color yet; use Color Converter if you already have a value in one format and just need it in another, or Color Matcher if you're starting from a color you found elsewhere.

How to Use the Color Picker & Matcher

1Use the native color picker, or type a HEX code, or drag the RGB/HSL sliders.
2All three color formats update automatically to stay in sync.
3Copy any format (HEX, RGB, or HSL) with the copy button next to it.
4Scroll down to see generated harmony palettes, tints, and shades for the selected color.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

•HEX codes are case-insensitive - #3B82F6 and #3b82f6 are the same color.
•Click any swatch in the palette, tint, or shade sections to instantly load that color into the picker.

Frequently Asked Questions

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