What the Heck Are HEX Colors?
Here’s Your Quick Guide
Ever noticed that specific six-digit codes like #FF5733 or #4287f5 keep popping up in design? Those codes aren’t some random combination—they’re called HEX colors! If you’re building your brand, or received a brand guideline or style sheet, knowing what HEX colors are (and how to use them) can help you keep your designs looking clean and consistent.
Let’s break down what HEX colors are, why they matter for your brand, and how to start using them.
What the Heck Are HEX Colors?
HEX colors are the digital codes behind the colors you see on websites, graphics, and in design software. They’re made up of six characters (a mix of numbers and letters), like this: #FF5733. These codes represent a mix of red, green, and blue (RGB) values, so each code gives you one exact color every time—a huge plus for brand consistency.
In a HEX code:
The first two characters represent red
The middle two represent green
The last two represent blue
So, for a color like #FF5733, the code combines a high level of red (FF), some green (57), and a touch of blue (33) to create a vibrant orange. Using HEX codes across your digital projects keeps your colors perfectly consistent and easy to match.
When You’ll See HEX Colors
If you have a style sheet or brand guidelines (Like the ones we provide here at Buildable Brand) for your business, you’ve likely come across HEX codes. Designers and branding experts use these codes so that you, or anyone working with your brand, can easily recreate your colors in any design software.
How to Use HEX Colors
Using HEX colors is easier than it sounds. You’ll simply input the HEX code in your chosen program’s color picker—most tools like Photoshop, Canva, and website builders like Squarespace allow you to do this. Just copy and paste the HEX code in the color section, and it will pull up the exact color you need. Done and done! No more guesswork or tweaking shades!
HEX vs. Pantone
HEX colors are ideal for digital projects, ensuring consistency across screens. Pantone colors, however, are widely used in print to achieve precise colors, especially for logos and brand materials. If you’re working with both, finding a close Pantone match to a HEX color can be handy for brand consistency in print.
To find the closest Pantone for a HEX color, you can use online conversion tools (just search “HEX to Pantone converter”) or use color-picking tools in design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, which can help you make an accurate match.
In a nutshell…
HEX colors are essential for creating consistent digital designs. Knowing how to use them, along with Pantone for print, keeps your brand looking polished across platforms. Ready to build a brand with colors that pop? Check out our Plug and Play Logo Design and Premium Logo Design options to get a look that's totally you—customized for both digital and print perfection!