Color Picker
Validate hexadecimal color codes and convert them to HEX, RGB, or HSL representations with a brightness estimate.
Run tool
The Color Picker tool validates three- or six-digit hexadecimal color input and converts it to selected HEX, RGB, and HSL representations. It also provides a weighted brightness estimate on a 0-255 scale, calculated from the red, green, and blue channels. The tool accepts a string containing exactly three or six hexadecimal color digits, optionally preceded by '#'. Surrounding whitespace is trimmed, and three-digit shorthand is expanded to six digits. You can choose the output format: all (HEX, RGB, and HSL), hex, rgb, or hsl. The default format is all. HEX output uses a leading '#' and lowercase hexadecimal digits. RGB output uses integer channel values, while HSL hue, saturation, and lightness are expressed as rounded whole-number values. The brightness estimate is rounded to three decimal places. Invalid color input or an unsupported output format shows an error message in the result panel instead of a conversion. The tool does not accept RGB function strings, alpha-bearing hexadecimal values, malformed hexadecimal values, or non-string color inputs. It does not generate palettes, analyze contrast, or provide WCAG assessments.
Instructions
- Enter a hexadecimal color code in the input field. You can use three or six digits, with or without a leading '#'.
- Select the desired output format from the dropdown menu: All, Hex, RGB, or HSL.
- Click the Run button to perform the conversion.
- View the result panel, which displays the converted color values and a brightness estimate.
Examples
- Enter '#3498db' and select 'All' to see the HEX, RGB, and HSL values along with the brightness estimate.
- Enter 'ff0000' (without '#') and select 'RGB' to get the RGB representation (255, 0, 0) and brightness estimate.
- Enter 'abc' (three-digit shorthand) and select 'Hex' to see the expanded six-digit HEX value '#aabbcc' and brightness estimate.
FAQ
What color formats does the tool support?
The tool accepts hexadecimal color input (three or six digits, with or without '#') and converts it to HEX, RGB, or HSL representations. It does not accept RGB function strings, alpha channels, or other color formats.
What does the brightness estimate mean?
The brightness estimate is a numeric value on a 0-255 scale, calculated as 0.299 * red + 0.587 * green + 0.114 * blue. It provides a relative measure of perceived brightness but is not a WCAG or accessibility standard assessment.
Can I use a three-digit hex code?
Yes, the tool accepts three-digit hexadecimal shorthand (e.g., 'abc') and expands it to six digits (e.g., '#aabbcc') before conversion.
What happens if I enter an invalid color?
If the input is not a valid three- or six-digit hexadecimal string (with or without '#'), the result panel shows an error message instead of a conversion.
Does the tool support alpha channels or transparency?
No, the tool does not accept alpha-bearing hexadecimal values (e.g., '#ff000080') or any transparency information. It only handles fully opaque colors.