Color Converter — HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV & CMYK
CSS Values (click to copy)
Complementary Color
How This Calculator Works
This color converter instantly translates colors between all major formats: HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. Simply enter a value in any format and all other formats update in real time, along with a live color preview. Perfect for web designers, developers, and anyone working with digital or print colors.
The converter handles the mathematical relationships between color models. RGB to HSL conversion finds the min and max channel values to compute hue, saturation, and lightness. HSV uses a similar approach but defines brightness differently. CMYK conversion from RGB uses the formula: K = 1 - max(R,G,B)/255, C = (1-R/255-K)/(1-K), and similarly for M and Y.
Color conversion is essential in design workflows. CSS supports HEX, RGB, and HSL natively. Graphic designers need CMYK for print-ready files. App developers often work with HSV for color picker interfaces. This tool ensures you always have the exact values you need, eliminating manual calculations and reducing color matching errors across different platforms and media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RGB, HEX, and HSL?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) uses three values 0-255 to define a color by mixing light. HEX is simply RGB written in hexadecimal (e.g., #FF5733 = rgb(255,87,51)). HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is more intuitive: hue is the color (0-360°), saturation is intensity (0-100%), and lightness is brightness (0-100%). They represent the same colors in different ways.
When should I use CMYK vs RGB?
Use RGB/HEX/HSL for screens (web, apps, video). Use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) for print. CMYK is a subtractive color model used by printers. Some bright RGB colors cannot be exactly reproduced in CMYK, which is why screen colors may look different when printed. Always convert to CMYK before sending designs to print.
How do I find complementary colors?
The complementary color is directly opposite on the color wheel — add 180° to the hue in HSL. For a split-complementary scheme, use ±150°. Analogous colors are ±30° from the base. Triadic colors are at 120° intervals. This calculator shows HSL values, making it easy to find harmonious colors by adjusting the hue.
What is HSV and how does it differ from HSL?
HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) and HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) both describe colors by hue angle. The difference is in how they handle brightness: HSV saturation goes from white to pure color, while HSL saturation goes from gray to pure color. HSV is common in color pickers (like Photoshop), while HSL is more commonly used in CSS.