Hex Code – What It Is, How It Works & Why It Matters

Whether you’re working on a web layout, designing a flyer, or preparing brand assets for print, hex codes play a key role in defining and communicating precise digital colors. As part of our printing terms glossary, this guide explains how hex codes work, where they’re used, and what to consider when converting them for print. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Definition: Hex code

A hex code (short for hexadecimal code) is a 6-digit alphanumeric string used to represent colors in digital design. It’s based on the hexadecimal number system and defines color values by combining red, green, and blue (RGB) components.

Each hex code starts with a hash symbol (#) followed by six characters, which are a mix of numbers (0–9) and letters (A–F).

Hex codes are widely used in web design, graphic design, and digital interfaces to ensure consistent color representation across screens. While originally created for web development, they’ve become increasingly relevant in print design as well, especially when designs move from screen to printer paper.

In modern printing workflows, hex codes often serve as a starting point for designers before converting them into print-friendly color systems, such as CMYK.

How hex codes work

Each hex code represents a color using three pairs of characters: one for red, one for green, and one for blue, in that exact order. The format is written as:

#RRGGBB

• RR = red value
• GG = green value
• BB = blue value

Each pair is a hexadecimal number ranging from 00 to FF. In decimal, that’s 0 to 255, giving 256 possible values per color channel.

So the total number of possible hex colors is:

256 (red) × 256 (green) × 256 (blue) = 16,777,216 unique colors

So #0F4594 blends:

• Very little red
• A moderate amount of green
• A strong portion of blue

➜ To produce a deep, cool-toned blue that reflects professionalism and trust.

The higher the value, the brighter that color channel.

The math behind it

A hex code is a way of representing colors using a system called hexadecimal (base 16), which is different from the decimal system we usually use (base 10). In hexadecimal, we have 16 unique characters to represent values, ranging from 0 to 15:

0–9 represents the number 0 to 9.

A–F represents the numbers 10 to 15.

So:

• A = 10
• B = 11
• C = 12
• D = 13
• E = 14
• F = 15

This hex code is a shorthand way of representing the RGB color in a format that’s widely used in digital design and web development.

Popular hex codes

Some hex codes appear over and over again in digital and print design. Not because they’re trendy, but because they’re fundamental building blocks in any designer’s color toolkit. These are the essential “base” colors that are frequently used for backgrounds, text, accents, and layout balance.

These color codes are practical, safe, and widely supported in both screen and print workflows. They’re especially useful for creating contrast, accessibility-friendly designs, and brand-neutral layouts.

Unique hex codes

Some hex codes have become modern design staples because of their unique character, emotional impact, or widespread use in popular branding. These aren’t just colors; they’re moods in hex form:

These colors work across different formats, from websites and landing pages to brochures, posters, and stationery. Some are even close to what’s used in popular UI (user interface) kits and global branding guides.

Use a color palette generator (like Coolors or Adobe Color) or pull hex codes directly from your favorite photos or artworks. Just make sure to convert them to CMYK for accurate print reproduction. What looks good on screen may print very differently!

Hex code vs. other color models

When working with color in design, especially across both screen and print, it’s important to understand how hex codes compare to other common color systems. Each model has its own purpose and use case depending on the medium.

• Hex, RGB, and CMYK are tied directly to digital display or print production methods
• Pantone is a proprietary color matching system (PMS) designed for high precision across physical materials, but its codes are also referenced digitally (e.g., in brand manuals, packaging design, and digital previews).
• Unlike RGB or CMYK, Pantone doesn’t define a range of colors through mixing; it provides fixed, standardized colors you can reference across industries.

At first glance, Hex and RGB may seem like two different color systems, but they’re actually two ways of expressing the same thing: color values based on red, green, and blue.

Both define the intensity of red, green, and blue on a scale from 0 to 255, just in different formats.

See our guide to color systems

Converting hex codes for printing

While hex codes are perfect for web and screen design, they aren’t directly usable in professional printing. Before sending your files to print, you’ll need to convert hex colors to CMYK (the standard color model for physical print production).

Tools for converting hex code to CMYK

You don’t need to do the math manually because there are plenty of free and paid tools to help:

• Online converters like EasyRetro or ColorFly
• Adobe tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Browser-based design tools like Canva or Figma also display CMYK equivalents (in Pro versions)

Some design software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, allows you to work directly in CMYK mode, which is particularly useful when preparing print designs. This way, you can create your designs using the CMYK color model from the start, avoiding the need for conversions from hex codes later on.

Screens use RGB (light-based) colors, while various types of printers use CMYK (ink-based). Because these models don’t share the same color range, some vibrant hex colors can look duller or different in print, especially:

• Bright neons (e.g., #39FF14)
• Deep purples and dark grays
• Highly saturated blues and greens

This phenomenon is called gamut shift, and it’s normal. That’s why designers always recommend doing a test print or soft proof before producing large quantities.

How to pick the right hex codes

Choosing the right hex code is about more than just picking a pretty color. Whether you’re designing a printed wedding invitation or a corporate brochure, your color choices affect how your message is perceived, both emotionally and professionally.

Colors evoke emotions, even subconsciously. Here’s how to use that to your advantage:

Why it matters for printing

While hex codes are made for screens, they’re a vital part of the print design process, especially in the early creative stages:

Best practices

Hex codes are a great starting point for digital design, but getting perfect results on paper takes a few extra steps. Follow these best practices to avoid surprises and save time during production.