Practical color guide
HTML Color Codes Guide: HEX, RGB, HSL and CSS Color Names
Learn how HTML color codes work, when to use HEX, RGB or HSL, and how to choose accessible CSS colors for modern websites.
Open related toolWhat are HTML color codes?
HTML color codes are values used in CSS and HTML to define text colors, backgrounds, borders, gradients and interface states. The most common formats are named colors, HEX, RGB and HSL.
- Named color: red
- HEX: #FF0000
- RGB: rgb(255, 0, 0)
- HSL: hsl(0, 100%, 50%)
Which format should you use?
HEX is compact and widely used in design handoff. RGB is useful when you need transparency with rgba(). HSL is easier when you want to adjust hue, saturation or lightness manually.
How to choose colors for a website
Start with one primary color, add a neutral background, then test contrast for text and buttons. Avoid using color alone to communicate errors, warnings or success states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most used HTML color format?
HEX is the most common format for website colors because it is compact, easy to copy and supported everywhere in CSS.
Are CSS color names still useful?
Yes. Named colors are useful for learning, examples and quick prototypes, but HEX or HSL are usually better for design systems.