Color Converter
Type a color in HEX, RGB, or HSL and instantly see it in every common format — HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK — each with a copy button and a live swatch.
Quick answer
To convert a color, enter it in any common format and read the equivalent values in the others. For example, #0080ff equals rgb(0, 128, 255), hsl(210, 100%, 50%), hsv(210, 100%, 100%), and cmyk(100%, 50%, 0%, 0%). This tool parses what you type, shows a swatch, and gives a one-click copy for each format — all in your browser.
Formula & method
The converter first parses your input into red, green, and blue channels (0–255), accepting HEX shorthand and full HEX, rgb(), and hsl(). From RGB it derives HSL and HSV using the standard hue/saturation/lightness formulas, and CMYK from the key (black) value k = 1 − max(r,g,b). Every output is computed from the same RGB source, so the formats always describe the identical color.
Examples
- Input
- #0080ff
- Result
- rgb(0,128,255) · hsl(210,100%,50%) · cmyk(100%,50%,0%,0%)
- Why
- Pure blue at full intensity with a touch of green; hue 210° sits in the blue range.
- Input
- #ff6600
- Result
- rgb(255,102,0) · hsl(24,100%,50%)
- Why
- Red is maxed and green is partial with no blue, giving a vivid orange at hue 24°.
- Input
- rgb(128,128,128)
- Result
- #808080 · hsl(0,0%,50%)
- Why
- Equal channels mean zero saturation, so hue is irrelevant and lightness is 50%.
When to use this tool
- Translating a brand color between web (HEX/RGB) and print (CMYK) workflows.
- Getting the HSL form so you can tweak hue, saturation, or lightness in CSS.
- Checking that a color from a design tool matches the value in your code.
Common mistakes
- Leaving off the # on a HEX value — type #ff6600, not ff6600, or use an rgb()/hsl() form instead.
- Mixing up HSL and HSV — both start with hue, but the third value is lightness in HSL and brightness (value) in HSV, and they are not the same.
- Assuming CMYK on screen matches a printer exactly — CMYK here is a mathematical conversion, while real print color also depends on inks and paper.
Frequently asked questions
Which color formats does it convert?
It converts between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. You can type a HEX, rgb(), or hsl() value, and it shows all five representations of the same color.
What is the difference between HSL and HSV?
Both describe a color by hue and saturation, but HSL's third value is lightness (0% black to 100% white, 50% is the pure color) while HSV's is value/brightness (100% is the pure color). They are related but distinct scales.
Is the CMYK value print-accurate?
It is a standard mathematical RGB-to-CMYK conversion. Actual printed color also depends on the printer, inks, and paper, so use it as a starting point and confirm with a proof for critical print work.
Can I enter shorthand HEX like #f60?
Yes. Three-digit shorthand expands by doubling each digit, so #f60 is the same as #ff6600. Both produce the identical color.
Are my colors uploaded anywhere?
No. All parsing and conversion run in your browser using JavaScript, so nothing is sent to a server.
Why does a grey have a hue of 0?
When red, green, and blue are equal the color has no saturation, so hue carries no meaning and is conventionally reported as 0.
Sources & references
External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ No sign-up required
- ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- ✓ Formula and method shown above
Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.
Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.
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