Question 1

What is the difference between HEX, RGB, and HSL?

Accepted Answer

HEX is a hexadecimal notation (#RRGGBB) representing colors in base-16. RGB uses decimal values (0-255) for Red, Green, and Blue channels. HSL uses Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), and Lightness (0-100%), making it more intuitive for color adjustments. All three can represent the same colors but with different notation systems.

Question 2

How do I convert HEX to RGB?

Accepted Answer

Split the HEX code into pairs (RR, GG, BB) and convert each from base-16 to decimal. For example, #FF5733: FF = 255, 57 = 87, 33 = 51, giving rgb(255, 87, 51). For short HEX (#RGB), double each character first (#F53 → #FF5533).

Question 3

What is the alpha channel in RGBA and HSLA?

Accepted Answer

The alpha channel represents opacity, ranging from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (fully opaque). In HEX, alpha is represented as two additional characters (#RRGGBBAA). A value of 0.5 means 50% opacity, allowing background colors to show through.

Question 4

What is the difference between tints, shades, and tones?

Accepted Answer

Tints are created by adding white (increasing lightness), making colors lighter and more pastel. Shades are created by adding black (decreasing lightness), making colors darker. Tones are created by adding gray (reducing saturation), making colors more muted and sophisticated.

Question 5

What is a complementary color?

Accepted Answer

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel (180° apart in hue). They create high contrast and visual interest when used together. For example, blue (#0000FF) and orange (#FF8000) are complementary. Use complementary colors sparingly for accents rather than large areas.

Question 6

How do I create an analogous color palette?

Accepted Answer

Analogous palettes use colors adjacent on the color wheel, typically within 30° of each other. Start with a base hue, then add colors at +30° and -30° (or adjust the spread). These palettes are harmonious and commonly found in nature.

Question 7

What contrast ratio do I need for accessible text?

Accepted Answer

WCAG 2.1 requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text (AA level) and 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt bold). For enhanced accessibility (AAA level), aim for 7:1 for normal text. Use the contrast checker to verify your color combinations.

Question 8

Why does my color look different on different screens?

Accepted Answer

Colors can appear differently due to: display calibration differences, color space variations (sRGB vs Adobe RGB), ambient lighting conditions, and screen technologies (LCD vs OLED). Always test your colors on multiple devices and consider using color-managed workflows for critical work.

Question 9

What is relative luminance?

Accepted Answer

Relative luminance measures the perceived brightness of a color, accounting for how the human eye perceives different wavelengths. It's calculated using weighted RGB values: 0.2126*R + 0.7152*G + 0.0722*B (after gamma correction). This is used in WCAG contrast calculations.

Question 10

How do I choose colors for dark mode?

Accepted Answer

For dark mode: reduce saturation (highly saturated colors can appear too vibrant), increase lightness (colors need to be lighter on dark backgrounds), and always verify contrast ratios. A common approach is to use tints of your light-mode colors rather than the same values.

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