Hex color codes are six-digit combinations of numbers and letters used in web design to represent specific colors. They’re a key part of how a website displays color visually through CSS and HTML. Each code starts with a hashtag (#) followed by three pairs of characters, like #FF5733 or #00BFFF. These pairs represent the red, green, and blue (RGB) values that make up the final color.

Designers and developers rely on hex codes because they’re precise, universally recognized in web environments, and easy to copy and paste. Whether you're styling buttons, backgrounds, or text, hex color codes ensure consistency across your entire site.

How hex color codes are structured

Hex codes are based on the RGB color model, where red, green, and blue values are combined to produce millions of colors. In a hex code like #34A853, the first two characters (34) represent red, the next two (A8) are green, and the last two (53) are blue. These values are written in hexadecimal (base-16), which ranges from 00 to FF in each color slot.

So, #FFFFFF represents pure white (maximum red, green, and blue), while #000000 is pure black. This format allows you to fine-tune color shades with great precision—something especially useful when building a brand identity or creating a consistent look for your site.

Why hex color codes matter in web design

Consistency in color is crucial to building trust and recognition online. With hex codes, you can ensure every element on your site matches your brand colors exactly—no matter what screen it’s viewed on. They’re also lightweight and clean to use in code, whicch makes them perfect for styling elements in HTML and CSS.

Many online color tools and design platforms provide hex codes so you can copy them directly into your site’s stylesheet or website builder. This makes it super easy for anyone—even non-designers—to maintain a polished, professional look without guessing which shade of blue or red to use.

Tools for finding and using hex color codes

There are tons of free tools available to help you find, test, and generate hex color codes. Color pickers in design software like Adobe XD, Figma, or Canva all use hex formats. You can also use browser extensions or web-based tools like ColorZilla, HTML Color Codes, or Coolors to grab hex values from any part of your screen.

These tools are helpful when you're creating custom palettes or matching an existing brand color. Some platforms even let you explore accessible color combinations or test how your colors appear in different lighting conditions. That’s especially handy if you want your site to look good for all users.

Hex codes vs other color formats

Hex color codes aren’t the only format used in web design. You might also come across RGB, HSL, or named colors (like “blue” or “darkgray”). Hex and RGB are both based on the same model, but hex is shorter and easier to read at a glance. HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) gives more control when adjusting color tones, which designers sometimes prefer for theme building.

In most cases, hex codes are the go-to because of their simplicity and wide compatibility with web languages. You can always convert between formats using online tools, but sticking with hex is often the fastest and most reliable choice for everyday projects.

FAQs about hex color code

What does a hex color code look like?

A hex color code starts with a hashtag followed by six characters, like #FF0000. These six characters are made up of three pairs that represent the red, green, and blue components of the color. Each pair uses hexadecimal numbers ranging from 00 to FF. The result is a specific, precise color that renders consistently across browsers.

Why do web designers prefer hex codes over other formats?

Hex codes are compact, easy to use in HTML and CSS, and widely supported by all browsers. They also allow for millions of unique color combinations, which makes them ideal for custom branding. For most design needs, they’re faster to write than RGB or HSL, especially when styling elements in code.

Can I use shorthand hex codes?

Yes, if each pair of characters is the same (like #FFCC00), you can write it as #FC0. This shorthand is valid in CSS and renders the same color. It only works when both characters in each color pair are identical, and it’s mostly used for simplicity in quick styling.

Are hex color codes case-sensitive?

Nope! You can use uppercase or lowercase letters and the color will display the same way. So #ffffff and #FFFFFF are treated identically by browsers. That said, some teams stick to one style for consistency in their codebase.

How do I make sure my hex colors are accessible?

Use accessibility tools to check contrast between text and background colors. There are many online contrast checkers that let you input two hex codes to see if they meet accessibility standards. This helps ensure your site is usable for everyone, including visitors with visual impairments.

Design confidently with color that clicks

Using hex color codes gives you precise control over the visual identity of your site. Whether you're picking a palette for your brand or making sure your buttons pop, these codes help you keep things sharp and consistent. With B12, you can build a site that looks great and reflects your style—without needing to be a designer.

Choose your colors, shape your brand—sign up and start building your custom site today.