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CSS Colors

Last Updated : 06 Jun, 2025
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CSS colors are used to set the color of different parts of a webpage, like text, background, and borders. This helps make the page look more attractive and easier to read. You can define colors using names, hex codes, RGB values, and more.

You can try different formats of colors here-

Color Formats in CSS

Color Format

Description

Color Names

Use predefined color names (e.g., red, blue, green) for simplicity.

Hexadecimal (Hex) Codes

Define colors using six-digit hex codes (e.g., #FF5733).

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

Define colors using RGB values (e.g., rgb(255, 0, 0)).

RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Alpha)

Extend RGB by adding an alpha (transparency) value (e.g., rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5)).

HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)

Define colors using HSL values (e.g., hsl(120, 100%, 50%)).

HSLA (Hue, Saturation, Lightness, Alpha)

Extend HSL by adding an alpha value for transparency (e.g., hsla(120, 100%, 50%, 0.5)).

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .hex-example {             background-color: #FF5733; /* Hexadecimal color */         }         .rgb-example {             color: rgb(255, 0, 0); /* RGB color */         }         .rgba-example {             color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.5); /* RGBA color with transparency */         }         .hsl-example {             color: hsl(120, 100%, 50%); /* HSL color */         }         .hsla-example {             color: hsla(120, 100%, 50%, 0.3); /* HSLA color with transparency */         }     </style> </head> <body>     <div class="hex-example">This div has a Hexadecimal background color.</div>     <div class="rgb-example">This text is in RGB red.</div>     <div class="rgba-example">This text is in RGBA green with 50% transparency.</div>     <div class="hsl-example">This text is in HSL green.</div>     <div class="hsla-example">This text is in HSLA green with 30% opacity.</div> </body> </html> 

In this example:

  • Background Color (background-color):
    • background-color: #FF5733; applies a bright red-orange color to the background using a hex code.
    • The padding: 20px; adds space inside the div to make it more visible.
  • Text Color (color):
    • color: rgb(255, 0, 0); sets the text color to red using the RGB notation.
    • The font-size: 20px; increases the text size to make it more prominent.
  • Border Color (border):
    • border: 5px solid rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.5); creates a solid green border with 50% transparency using the RGBA notation.
    • The padding: 10px; and margin: 10px; ensure the div has space around it and inside.
  • Hover Effects:
    • In the .hover-example class, the background-color: hsl(120, 100%, 50%); applies a bright green background.
    • When hovered, the background color changes to a transparent lighter green: background-color: hsla(120, 100%, 50%, 0.7);.

Use Cases of CSS Colors with Code Examples

CSS colors play a vital role in the design and functionality of a webpage. Below are common use cases of CSS colors along with simple code examples:

1. Background Colors

You can use background-color to set the color of an element’s background. It's typically used for sections, divs, headers, footers, etc.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .bg-example {             background-color: #FF5733; /* Red-Orange background */             padding: 20px;             color: white;         }     </style> </head> <body>     <div class="bg-example">This div has a warm background color!</div> </body> </html> 

2. Text Colors

The color property is used to apply color to the text. It's important to ensure good contrast between the text and the background for readability.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .text-example {             color: rgb(255, 0, 0); /* Red text */             font-size: 20px;         }     </style> </head> <body>     <p class="text-example">This text is in red.</p> </body> </html> 

3. Border Colors

You can use the border property to apply color to an element's border. It's commonly used for buttons, cards, or form inputs to create visible outlines.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .border-example {             border: 5px solid rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.5); /* Semi-transparent green border */             padding: 10px;             margin: 10px;         }     </style> </head> <body>     <div class="border-example">This div has a semi-transparent green border.</div> </body> </html> 

4. Hover Effects

Use the :hover pseudo-class to change the color of an element when a user hovers over it, adding interactivity to your design.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .hover-example {             background-color: #4CAF50; /* Green background */             color: white;             padding: 20px;             text-align: center;             cursor: pointer;         }          .hover-example:hover {             background-color: #45a049; /* Darker green on hover */         }     </style> </head> <body>     <div class="hover-example">Hover over me to change the background color!</div> </body> </html> 

5. Shadows and Text Effects

You can use box-shadow to add shadows around elements or text-shadow for adding shadows to the text, creating depth and emphasis.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .shadow-example {             text-shadow: 2px 2px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);              color: #FF5733;             font-size: 30px;         }          .box-shadow-example {             box-shadow: 3px 3px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);             padding: 20px;             background-color: #FFF;         }     </style> </head> <body>     <p class="shadow-example">This text has a shadow effect.</p>     <div class="box-shadow-example">This div has a box shadow.</div> </body> </html> 

6. Gradients

CSS allows you to create gradients using the background property. Gradients can transition smoothly between two or more colors.

HTML
<html> <head>     <style>         .gradient-example {             background: linear-gradient(to right, #FF5733, #33FF57);             padding: 40px;             color: white;             text-align: center;         }     </style> </head> <body>     <div class="gradient-example">This div has a linear gradient background.</div> </body> </html> 

Comparison of Color Models

Color ModelSyntax ExampleDescriptionUse Case
Hex

#FF5733

Defines colors with 6 hex digits (RGB)Simple, quick application in designs.
RGB

rgb(255, 0, 0)

Uses red, green, and blue components for colorPrecise color control, ideal for images and elements.
RGBA

rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5)

RGB with an alpha channel for transparencyTransparent colors for overlays, buttons, etc.
HSL

hsl(120, 100%, 50%)

Hue, Saturation, and Lightness model for color creationIdeal for generating colors based on the color wheel.
HSLA

hsla(120, 100%, 50%, 0.5)

HSL with transparency (alpha)Transparent colors based on HSL.

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CSS Borders

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ShraddhaVarat
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Article Tags :
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  • CSS
  • CSS-Basics

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