HExadecimaL Numeral System
A hex code is a hexadecimal format used in CSS, HTML, and SVG to identify a specific color. The six-digit number defines how much red, green, and blue are in the color displayed on the webpage. Hexa in greek means six.
The standard numeral system uses ten symbols: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. This numeral system has a base of 10 and is called the decimal system. The hexadecimal numeral system or “hex” used the decimal system plus six additional symbols. Therefore it has a base of 16. The hex system does this because there are no numerical symbols higher than 9. The additional symbols used are the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F.
The hex code begins with a hashtag followed by six numbers or letters. The different combination of numbers and letters represents the color. For example, the hex code for white is #FFFFFF. #FFFFFF means there are full amounts of red, green, and blue. The hex code for black is #000000. #000000 means there are no amounts of red, green, and blue.
Hex code vS. RGB
There are different color systems depending on usage. For example, the hex code color system is utilized for web development. While the Pantone Matching System (PMS) is used in printing. The PMS system is known as the world standard in the color language. THE CMYK system is also used in the print world. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. You can tell if PMS or CMYK is being used on print by looking at a print item close. The CMYK system uses overlapping dots whiles the PMS system shows a solid color.
Another color-matching system similar to the hex system is RGB. RGB stands for red, green, and blue. The hex color matching system is very similar to the RGB system. It was also designed for the web, digital, or tv. Hex code is just a short code or minified version of the RGB color-matching system. RGB color is displayed as a decimal code. For example, the RGB color for white is RGB (255, 255, 255). The hex code is easier to use since it is only a six-digit code.
Since RGB is only used for digital media, the colors appear more vibrant online than if they were printed. This is why it is important to create items in the correct color profile. If you created a print item in an RGB profile when printed the item will appear duller.
Color systems are very important because they enable consistency of color across different mediums.
HEx Code Tools
The Hex Code Color Picker extension is a very helpful tool. This chrome extension allows you to determine any hex code of a color displayed on a website.
