How to Convert Colors Between HEX, RGB, and HSL
Quick Answer
To convert a color: open the Color Converter, enter a color in any format (HEX, RGB, HSL), and the tool displays the equivalent in all other formats instantly. All conversion happens locally in your browser — no data is uploaded.
Introduction
Colors can be represented in multiple formats: HEX (#ff6600), RGB (rgb(255, 102, 0)), HSL (hsl(24, 100%, 50%)), and others. Different tools and contexts use different formats — CSS often uses HEX or RGB, design tools may use HSL, and APIs may use any. Converting between formats lets you use a color defined in one system in a context that requires another. This guide shows you how to convert colors in your browser.
Step by Step
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Open the Color Converter tool
Go to the Color Converter tool page. The tool supports HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK formats.
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Enter your color
Type or paste a color value in any supported format. Examples: '#ff6600', 'rgb(255, 102, 0)', 'hsl(24, 100%, 50%)'. The tool auto-detects the input format.
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Review all format equivalents
The tool displays the color in all formats simultaneously: HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK. It also shows a color preview swatch so you can verify the conversion is correct.
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Copy the format you need
Click the Copy button next to any format to copy that value to your clipboard. Use it in your CSS, design tool, or application.
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Adjust the color (optional)
Some tools let you adjust the color with sliders (for HSL: hue, saturation, lightness) and see all formats update in real time. This is useful for finding related colors or shades.
Examples
HEX to RGB and HSL
Input: #ff6600
Output: RGB: rgb(255, 102, 0)
HSL: hsl(24, 100%, 50%)
RGB to HEX
Input: rgb(0, 128, 255)
Output: HEX: #0080ff
HSL: hsl(210, 100%, 50%)
HSL to HEX
Input: hsl(120, 100%, 50%)
Output: HEX: #00ff00
RGB: rgb(0, 255, 0)
Common Problems
- HEX with vs without # —some tools require the # prefix, others do not. Our converter accepts both.
- 3-digit vs 6-digit HEX —#f60 is shorthand for #ff6600. Both are valid; the converter normalizes to 6 digits.
- HSL hue range —hue is 0-360 degrees (a circle). 0 and 360 are both red. Values above 360 wrap around.
- Color space differences —HEX, RGB, and HSL are all sRGB. CMYK is a different color space (print) and conversion is approximate.
Tips
- Use HSL for creating color variations —adjusting hue, saturation, or lightness is more intuitive than RGB.
- Use HEX for CSS —it is the most compact and widely supported format in stylesheets.
- Use RGB when you need to set alpha transparency —rgb(255, 102, 0, 0.5) for 50% opacity (or use 8-digit HEX: #ff660080).
- Use our Color Converter for instant, private conversion between all color formats.