#040404 Hex Color
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#040404 is a near-black shade with a somber, dusty quality. It serves as a softer, more sophisticated alternative to pure black for UI backgrounds, preventing harsh screen glare. This color maintains an excellent 20.5:1 contrast ratio against white text, ensuring full accessibility. The hex code is #040404, a solid choice for minimalist designs that demand authority, discipline, and a serious, editorial aesthetic.
Questions about #040404
What is #040404 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #040404 is rgb(4, 4, 4), in HSL hsl(0, 0%, 2%) and in CMYK 0%, 0%, 0%, 98%.
Why use #040404 instead of pure black?
Using #040404 provides a softer visual experience that reduces harsh screen glare while maintaining high contrast against white text. It appears more natural and less aggressive than absolute black, giving interfaces a refined, editorial quality perfect for high-end digital branding.
What colors pair well with #040404?
Because #040404 is virtually neutral, it creates a powerful foundation for high-contrast accents like electric blue or vivid orange. For a more muted, sophisticated look, pair it with soft warm gray tones or subtle muted gold to highlight text elements.
Is #040404 readable on white or black?
#040404 has a 20.50:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.02:1 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.