Black

Online color picker to view shades, tints, color codes, and complementary colors

Black color codes graphic

In the color spectrum, black is the complete absence of color and is often perceived as the darkest shade. It is associated with a variety of emotions and concepts, such as power, sophistication, elegance, mystery, strength, formality, and depth. The hex code for black is #000000. This color is versatile and timeless, making it a popular choice for various design and fashion applications. See what colors make black.

About Black

Ash cooled long after the fire went out

What does black mean?

It commonly signals formality, mourning, elegance, and power, and it often stands for absence or the unknown. With no lightness and no saturation, it feels heavy, still, and total, like a room with the lights off.

Where you see black

  • piano keys
  • tuxedos
  • vinyl records
  • typewriter ink
  • crows
  • soot

What it works for

It works for text, outlines, shadows, and dramatic backgrounds that push every other color forward.

What colors go with black?

Questions about Black

What is the hex code for Black?
Black is #000000. In RGB that is rgb(0, 0, 0), in HSL hsl(0, 0%, 0%) and in CMYK 0%, 0%, 0%, 100%.
Is Black readable on white or black?
Black has a 21.00:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.00:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.