Color Format Converter guide
Convert colors among HEX, RGB, and HSL notation, preview the result, and compare its contrast against black and white.
What this tool does
The Color Format Converter accepts short or long HEX values, including optional alpha; comma-separated rgb() or rgba() values with numeric or percentage channels; and comma-separated hsl() or hsla() values. It calculates an equivalent uppercase HEX representation plus readable RGB and HSL output. A native color picker provides a quick way to choose an opaque color visually.
The preview uses the converted CSS color. For opaque colors, the tool also calculates relative luminance and contrast ratios against pure black and pure white. These ratios can help you choose which simple text color has stronger contrast. If the source includes transparency, the displayed ratio uses the underlying RGB channels as though they were opaque; the true appearance and contrast depend on the background beneath the translucent color.
Conversion involves rounding. An HSL value converted to 8-bit RGB and back may differ slightly from the original numbers while displaying the same or a nearly identical color. The tool does not support named colors, CSS variables, lab(), lch(), oklab(), oklch(), color(), or space-separated modern RGB/HSL syntax.
How to use it
- Enter a supported HEX, RGB, or HSL color value.
- Check the preview to confirm the parsed result.
- Review the equivalent HEX, RGB, and HSL strings.
- Copy the format required by your stylesheet or design file.
- For text decisions, review contrast in the actual component and state.
Examples include #F5A623, #F5A623CC, rgb(245, 166, 35), rgba(245, 166, 35, 0.8), and hsl(38, 91%, 55%).
Benefits
- Converts three widely used CSS color families
- Supports alpha in HEX, RGBA, and HSLA input
- Provides a visual preview and native picker
- Calculates black and white contrast ratios
- Copies each format independently
- Keeps every value on the device
Accessibility context
A contrast ratio is one part of accessible design, not a complete pass or fail for an interface. Requirements vary by text size, weight, component state, graphics, and applicable standard. Test the final foreground and background combination, including transparency, gradients, hover states, disabled controls, and user theme settings. Do not rely on color alone to communicate important status.