Color Tools

Converters, palettes, contrast, gradients.

6 tools · all run in your browser

Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, HSB/HSV, OKLCH, and CSS named colors; check contrast ratios for WCAG accessibility compliance; generate harmonious palettes (complementary, triadic, analogous, split-complementary) from any base color; build CSS gradient code with a visual editor. Every tool gives you a one-click copy of the value in whichever format your codebase uses.

The most practically important tool here is the Contrast Checker. WCAG 2.1 requires a 4.5:1 ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold) to meet AA compliance — and 7:1 / 4.5:1 for AAA. Fail that ratio and your text is genuinely difficult to read for the roughly 8% of users with color vision deficiency. The checker shows pass/fail for both thresholds at once.

OKLCH is worth learning if you work with modern CSS. Unlike HSL, OKLCH is perceptually uniform — equal steps in lightness actually look equal to the eye, which makes it much more predictable for building design token scales and accessible color ramps.

All color tools

Frequently asked

What is the difference between RGB and HEX color codes?

They represent the same thing in different notations. RGB(255, 99, 71) and #FF6347 (tomato red) are identical — HEX is just base-16 RGB packed into a six-character string. CSS accepts both.

What is the difference between HSL and HSB?

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) is what CSS uses. HSB/HSV (Hue, Saturation, Brightness/Value) is what Photoshop, Figma, and most design tools use. A Saturation=100% Lightness=50% HSL color is the same as Saturation=100% Brightness=100% HSB. Our converter handles both.

What contrast ratio is required for WCAG compliance?

WCAG 2.1 AA (the legal baseline in most countries): 4.5:1 for body text, 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or bold 14pt+). AAA (stricter): 7:1 for body, 4.5:1 for large text. Our Contrast Checker shows the ratio and pass/fail for both levels simultaneously.

What are complementary colors?

Colors directly opposite on the color wheel — e.g., blue and orange, red and green. They create strong contrast and vibrate against each other at full saturation. Our Palette Generator shows complementary, analogous (neighbors), triadic (120° apart), and split-complementary schemes.

What is OKLCH and why should I use it for CSS?

OKLCH is a perceptually uniform color space — equal numerical steps produce equal perceived brightness changes. Unlike HSL, you can build a 10-step lightness scale in OKLCH and each step looks the same size. Modern CSS supports it natively and it produces better accessible color ramps than HSL.