Complete Color Code Guide
Learn how HEX, RGB, RGBA, HSL, HSV, and CMYK color codes work, when to use each format, and how to copy codes from the KDF Color Library.
Why color codes matter
Designers and developers share colors as codes so the same shade appears in Figma, CSS, print, and mobile. The KDF Color Tools library shows every major format with one-tap copy.
HEX
HEX codes like #4169E1 encode red, green, and blue in base-16. They are the default for CSS and most design tools. Three-digit shortcuts (#fff) expand to six digits (#ffffff).
RGB & RGBA
RGB uses decimal channels 0–255. RGBA adds alpha for transparency — essential for overlays and glass UI.
HSL & HSV
HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) makes it easy to build shade/tint scales. HSV (or HSB) matches many on-screen pickers.
CMYK
CMYK is a print model. Web conversions are approximate — always soft-proof for packaging and offset print.