HexCodes

Hex codes, short for hexadecimal color codes, are a common way to specify colors in computing and digital media. They encode red, green, and blue components of a color in base-16 notation, typically as a six-digit string preceded by a hash sign, for example #RRGGBB. Each pair of hex digits ranges from 00 to FF, corresponding to intensity values from 0 to 255.

The standard form uses six digits. A three-digit shorthand is also supported in many contexts, where #RGB expands to #RRGGBB by duplicating each digit (e.g., #3A5 becomes #33AA55). Hex digits are case-insensitive, so #FFAA00 and #ffaa00 are equivalent.

Some environments support alpha transparency via extended hex forms such as #RRGGBBAA (or the shorthand #RGBA in some implementations), where AA encodes opacity. In CSS, the rgba() function is an alternative for specifying transparency and is widely supported; modern browsers also support the 8-digit hex form.

Common usage includes color specification in web design (CSS), graphics software, and design tokens. Examples: color: #4A90E2; background-color: #123456. Hex codes map to the sRGB color space and are typically used with other color formats and color management workflows.

Notes: hex codes are portable across platforms but should be used with accessibility in mind, ensuring sufficient contrast. They are compatible with most color pickers and design tools, making them a staple in digital color work.