Design-system documentation
Record the canonical HEX value beside RGB, HSL, OKLCH, and other model values for clearer handoff.
Color model comparison
Free color model comparison from one color.
Compare one selected color across familiar web formats, picker models, perceptual models, device-independent coordinates, and print-oriented approximations. Hue Codex shows copy-ready HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, HWB, Lab, LCH, OKLab, OKLCH, XYZ, and CMYK values in one place.
Free color utility
Color Models
Inputs update live, exports are copy-ready, and the color math stays deterministic.
Models
Compare one color
Instructions
- Enter a color value or use Random to compare a new sample color.
- Review the cards to see the same color expressed across supported color models.
- Use the model values to compare channel structure, perceptual coordinates, and CSS-ready formats.
- Copy the model comparison report for documentation, QA notes, or design-system handoff.
How it fits
From color value to usable system.
Hue Codex treats each color as part of a larger workflow: conversion, accessibility, palette roles, CSS syntax, shareable URLs, and production exports.
Deterministic math
Color conversion follows CSS Color 4 conventions, including D50 Lab/LCH, D65 OKLab/OKLCH, and WCAG contrast thresholds.
Readable outputs
Every result is formatted for clear reading, project notes, documentation, and assistive technology.
Free sharing
Palette URLs can be bookmarked and sent without an account, making color decisions easy to revisit.
Quick overview
Hue Codex Color Model Comparison is a free browser-based tool that shows how one selected color is represented as HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, HWB, Lab, LCH, OKLab, OKLCH, XYZ D65, and approximate CMYK. It is useful for comparing web color notation, perceptual color models, device-independent coordinates, and print-oriented approximations from the same color.
- Use it to compare how one color is written across common web, picker, perceptual, and print-oriented models.
- Outputs include HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, HWB, Lab, LCH, OKLab, OKLCH, XYZ D65, and approximate CMYK.
- Each value can be copied individually, or copied as one full model comparison block.
- CMYK output is an approximation, not a replacement for printer, paper, ink, and ICC-profile proofing.
What the Hue Codex color model comparison tool does
The Hue Codex color model comparison tool starts with one selected color and shows equivalent values across multiple color models. It puts common web formats, picker-oriented models, perceptual color models, XYZ coordinates, and approximate CMYK output side by side.
This makes it easier to discuss the same color across design, CSS, accessibility, color science, and print conversations without manually converting each value in a separate tool.
Color model definition
A color model is a numeric way to describe color, such as RGB channels, HSL hue/saturation/lightness, Lab lightness and opponent axes, OKLCH lightness/chroma/hue, or CMYK ink-style percentages.
Color model groups
Different color models answer different questions. Some are easy to write in CSS, some match picker controls, some are better for perceptual reasoning, and some are useful only as print-oriented approximations.
| Group | Models | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Compact web value | HEX | Brand values, quick copying, CSS variables, and color-role handoff. |
| Web and channel models | RGB and HSL | CSS syntax, channel thinking, manual lightness or saturation edits. |
| Picker-style models | HSV and HWB | Hue picker workflows, value/brightness thinking, whiteness and blackness edits. |
| Perceptual models | Lab, LCH, OKLab, and OKLCH | Perceptual comparison, color scales, chroma and lightness reasoning, modern CSS work. |
| Device-independent coordinates | XYZ D65 | Color-science context and conversion reference. |
| Print-oriented approximation | CMYK | Rough process-color discussion before print-specific proofing. |
Best uses for color model comparison
A model comparison is most useful when the same color needs to move between teams, tools, and conversations. It helps everyone see that HEX, RGB, HSL, OKLCH, and other values can describe the same intended color in different ways.
Modern CSS exploration
Compare familiar values with Lab, LCH, OKLab, and OKLCH before building perceptual scales or CSS color functions.
Design and development handoff
Give designers, reviewers, and other teammates a shared view of the same color.
Print conversation prep
Use approximate CMYK as a starting point before moving into real print profiles and proofs.
CMYK and print caveats
The CMYK value in the comparison is an approximation derived from the selected screen color. It is useful for rough conversation, but it is not a press-ready conversion.
Real print output depends on printer, paper, ink, press condition, total ink limits, color management, and ICC profiles. Use print-vendor guidance and proofing before treating any CMYK value as final.
Use the CMYK output as a reference, not as final print production data.
A practical comparison workflow
Start with the color value your team already trusts, then compare the model outputs based on the next task. You may only need HEX for a token, HSL for a manual CSS tweak, OKLCH for a perceptual scale, or CMYK as a rough print conversation starter.
- Enter or pick the color.
- Copy the model value needed for the current task.
- Use perceptual models when comparing lightness, chroma, or scale behavior.
- Use CSS-ready values in real projects.
- Treat print-oriented values as approximations until proofed.
Accessibility and production caveats
Changing the color model does not make a color more accessible. Contrast, context, foreground/background pairing, text size, and non-color cues determine whether the color works for users.
A model comparison is a translation aid. Final production decisions still need contrast checks, gamut checks, browser support review, and context-specific design judgment.
Use comparison values to understand and document a color, then use the dedicated contrast, gamut, palette, and CSS tools for production checks.
Quick answers
Color Models FAQ
What is the Hue Codex color model comparison tool?
The Hue Codex color model comparison tool is a free online tool that shows one selected color as HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, HWB, Lab, LCH, OKLab, OKLCH, XYZ D65, and approximate CMYK.
What is the difference between RGB and HSL?
RGB describes red, green, and blue channels. HSL describes hue, saturation, and lightness, which can be easier for manual CSS adjustments.
What are Lab and LCH useful for?
Lab and LCH are perceptual color models that are useful for comparing lightness, chroma, and hue in ways that can be more meaningful than raw RGB channels.
What are OKLab and OKLCH useful for?
OKLab and OKLCH are modern perceptual models that are practical for CSS color scales, color roles, and more consistent lightness and chroma adjustments.
Is the CMYK value press-ready?
No. The CMYK value is an approximation. Final print values depend on printer, paper, ink, press condition, and ICC profiles.
Does changing color model change the color?
The notation changes, but the intended selected color should stay the same unless values are rounded, clipped, or moved between different gamuts or devices.
Can I copy each color model value?
Yes. Each model card has a copy button, and the page also provides a full copy-ready model comparison export.
Does a color model comparison test accessibility?
No. It compares numeric representations of one color. Use a contrast checker to test foreground and background readability.