Free Color Picker Tool — Get HEX, RGB, HSL & CMYK Color Codes

What Is a Color Picker?

A color picker is a free online tool that lets you select any color and instantly get its code in multiple formats — including HEX, RGB, RGBA, HSL, HSLA, HSV, and CMYK. Whether you're designing a website, creating graphics, or choosing brand colors, this tool gives you precise color values in seconds.

Simply click on the color spectrum, enter a color code, or adjust the sliders to find exactly the color you need — then copy the code in your preferred format.

Why Color Codes Matter

Every digital color is defined by a specific code. Using the right color codes ensures consistency across all platforms — from websites and apps to print materials and social media. Here's why accurate color codes are essential:

• Brand consistency — Use exact colors across your website, social media, and print materials
• Web development — CSS requires precise HEX or RGB values for styling elements
• Design collaboration — Share exact color codes with designers and developers
• Accessibility — Proper color contrast ratios require precise color values
• Print production — CMYK values ensure colors reproduce accurately in print

Color Formats Explained

HEX (Hexadecimal)

The most common format for web colors. A 6-digit code preceded by # — for example, #FF5733. Each pair of digits represents red, green, and blue values in hexadecimal (00-FF). Widely used in HTML and CSS.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

Defines colors by their red, green, and blue light components — each ranging from 0 to 255. Example: rgb(255, 87, 51). Used in CSS, JavaScript, and most design software.

RGBA

Same as RGB but with an alpha channel (0-1) for transparency. Example: rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.8). Essential for overlays, gradients, and semi-transparent elements.

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)

A more intuitive color model. Hue is a degree on the color wheel (0-360), saturation and lightness are percentages. Example: hsl(14, 100%, 60%). Great for creating harmonious color palettes.

HSVA (Hue, Saturation, Value, Alpha)

Similar to HSL but uses Value instead of Lightness — often preferred in graphic design software. Includes an alpha channel for transparency.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

The standard color model for print production. Defines colors by the percentage of each ink used. Essential when designing materials that will be physically printed.

How to Use the Color Picker

1. Click anywhere on the color spectrum to select a color
2. Fine-tune using the hue slider and saturation/brightness area
3. Or enter a known color code (HEX, RGB, etc.) directly in the input fields
4. View the color's values across all formats — HEX, RGB, HSL, CMYK, and more
5. Copy the code you need and paste it into your project

Common Use Cases

• Web developers — Find exact HEX and RGB codes for CSS styling
• Graphic designers — Pick colors for logos, banners, and marketing materials
• UI/UX designers — Define color systems and design tokens for apps
• Brand managers — Document official brand colors in all required formats
• Print designers — Convert web colors to CMYK for accurate print reproduction
• Content creators — Match colors from reference images for social media posts

Best Practices for Choosing Colors

• Start with your brand palette — Define 3-5 core colors and use them consistently
• Check contrast ratios — Ensure text colors meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards (4.5:1 minimum for body text)
• Use complementary colors — Colors opposite on the color wheel create visual impact
• Limit your palette — Too many colors create visual chaos; stick to 3-5 main colors plus neutrals
• Test on multiple screens — Colors appear differently on various monitors and devices
• Consider color psychology — Blue conveys trust, red signals urgency, green suggests growth

Related Tools

Explore more design and conversion tools:

• Color Converter — Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and more color formats
• HEX Converter — Convert between hexadecimal and other number systems
• CSS Minifier — Minify CSS code for faster page loading
• HTML Minifier — Compress HTML for better performance
• Image Optimizer — Optimize images for web use

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between HEX and RGB?

They represent the same colors in different notation. HEX uses a 6-digit hexadecimal code (#FF5733), while RGB uses decimal values for red, green, and blue (255, 87, 51). HEX is more common in web development; RGB is used more in design software.

How do I convert web colors to print (CMYK)?

Use this color picker to select your color and read the CMYK values directly. Note that not all screen colors (RGB) can be perfectly reproduced in print (CMYK) — this is called the color gamut limitation. Always proof-print important materials.

What is the alpha channel in RGBA and HSLA?

The alpha channel controls transparency. A value of 1 is fully opaque, 0 is fully transparent, and values between (like 0.5) create semi-transparent effects. This is used for overlays, glassmorphism effects, and layered designs.

Can I extract colors from an image?

This tool works as a manual color picker. To extract colors from an image, try using browser dev tools — inspect an image element, or take a screenshot and use the picker on the captured color. Some design tools also offer eyedropper features for color extraction.