// References / Colors in HTML and CSS

This is the Reference entry on Colors, it will try to explain the different color values, as well as RGB to HEX.

You can use LBD Color Tool to assist you in finding some colors with a nice contrast.

Usage of Colors

Generally RGB is better then HEX, in that its easier to read. But often you will find that colors are defined using HEX values.

Note. Its not recommended to use keywords, as these may be rendered different cross-browser.

Color Names

Colors can often be accessed by their english name, there are quite a few predefined keywords, some 16 listed below.

Note. This is 16 of the keywords for colors.

Red Green Blue (RGB)

Colors consist of the combination of Red Green And Blue, the maximum value of each is 255. That accounts for 255*255*255 colors, or 16.581.375 possible colors (24bit). Most systems can render all these colors, but some older computers, and hand-held devices are still limited to 8bit (more or less).

Hexadecimals (HEX)

This is the most used way to declare colors. Its not nessosery to know what HEX is, or how to convert HEX to RGB, or RGB to HEX. Nevertheless, you may use below table.

Lets take RGB(20, 0, 0) as an example, if we convert this to HEX we get #140000, this is because 16 is the base.

I.E. 16*1+4

If we have a letter to replace a number we use this instead, so #001E00 is equal to 16+14 or G30.

I.E. RGB(0, 30, 0);

If you need to use a value below 16, you need to set "0" in front of the number.

I.E. 15 becomes 0F, and 9 becomes 09. (In HEX)

Example

Example of how to use colors in CSS.

body {
    /* Keywords */
  background: red;
    /* Hex */
  background: #FF0000;
    /* RGB */
  background: rgb(255,0,0);
}

Remember to look up other properties in the reference as needed.