Pick a color and instantly get HEX, RGB, and HSL formats with copy buttons.
HEX
#d64a26
RGB
rgb(214, 74, 38)
HSL
hsl(12, 70%, 49%)
Red214
Green74
Blue38
Hue12°
Saturation70%
Lightness49%
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What is the Color Picker?
A color picker is a digital tool that identifies and extracts color values from any visual source, displaying them in multiple formats (hex, RGB, HSL). It allows users to sample colors from images, screenshots, or input fields, then convert and export those values for design, development, or branding purposes.
How it works
The color picker works by detecting the color value at a specific pixel location you select. When you click on a color in an image or use the color input field, the tool samples that pixel's data and converts it into standard web color formats. You can then copy the hex code, RGB value, or HSL notation directly for use in CSS, design software, or anywhere else colors are needed.
Examples
Input
Result
Notes
Click on a blue sky in a photograph
#87CEEB, rgb(135, 206, 235), hsl(197, 71%, 71%)
The tool captures the exact pixel color and displays it in three common formats
Enter a hex code like #FF5733
RGB: 255, 87, 51 and HSL: 9°, 100%, 60%
Useful for converting between color formats when you have only one value
Use the color input field to select red (#FF0000)
Hex: #FF0000, RGB: 255, 0, 0, HSL: 0°, 100%, 50%
Quick access to color values without needing an image source
How to use the Color Picker
Open the color picker tool and choose your input method: upload an image, paste a screenshot, or use the color input field
Click on the specific color you want to capture (or select it from the input palette)
View the color's values displayed in hex, RGB, and HSL formats
Copy the format you need using the copy button next to each color code
Paste the color value into your CSS file, design tool, or development environment
Fine-tune the color using the sliders if you need slight adjustments
Benefits
Instantly match colors from any source—photos, websites, mockups, or physical objects (via screenshot)
Get color values in multiple formats (hex, RGB, HSL) without needing separate converters
Save time on design-to-code handoff by eliminating guesswork and color approximation
Create consistent color palettes across teams and projects using exact, reproducible values
Free and browser-based—no software installation, login, or subscriptions required
Accessibility support: identify colors and check their luminance for contrast compliance
Tips & common mistakes
Common mistakes
Assuming the color picker captures colors accurately from compressed JPEGs—always work with high-quality originals for exact matches
Forgetting that RGB values on screen may render differently depending on monitor calibration and color profiles
Not accounting for the difference between web colors (sRGB) and print colors (CMYK)—hex codes don't translate directly to print
Relying on color names instead of codes, which vary by browser and system
Tips
Use hex codes (#RRGGBB) for web and digital design—they're the most widely supported format across browsers and tools
RGB is best for CSS when you need transparency (use rgba with an alpha channel like 0.8)
HSL is intuitive for adjusting colors: change the hue for different colors, lightness for brightness, saturation for intensity
Always check your colors against WCAG contrast ratios if accessibility is a requirement
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between hex, RGB, and HSL?
Hex (#RRGGBB) is a six-character code used in web design. RGB uses three numbers (0–255) for red, green, blue intensity. HSL uses hue (0–360°), saturation (0–100%), and lightness (0–100%), and is easier for humans to understand and adjust.
Can I use the color picker on any image?
Yes, you can upload images, paste screenshots, or use images already displayed on your screen. For best accuracy, use uncompressed or lightly compressed images.
Will the hex code I pick work exactly the same on every device?
Hex codes define the same RGB values everywhere, but how colors appear depends on screen brightness, color profile, and monitor calibration. Use a color management tool if exact color matching across devices is critical.
How do I convert between color formats?
The color picker displays all three formats simultaneously. Just copy the format you need. If you only have one format, paste it into the input field and the tool will convert it automatically.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to pick colors faster?
Most color pickers support clicking directly on the canvas or image. Some advanced versions support keyboard navigation and hotkeys—check your tool's instructions.
Can I save my color palette?
Many color picker tools let you save colors to a palette or export them as a JSON or CSS file. Check the tool's export or download options.