#040406 Hex Color
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This near-black shade carries an intense, somber weight that works best as a moody background color. Because it is so dark, white text pops with excellent readability. Use #040406 as a base for high-end, editorial designs where you need serious impact. Avoid using it for fine detail or small icons, as it lacks enough definition to stand out against other dark tones.
Questions about #040406
What is #040406 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #040406 is rgb(4, 4, 6), in HSL hsl(240, 20%, 2%) and in CMYK 33%, 33%, 0%, 98%.
When should you use #040406 instead of pure black?
Use #040406 when you want to avoid the harsh, flat look of pure black while retaining that intense, heavy impact. It works exceptionally well in editorial web design to create a sophisticated, premium feel without straining the eyes of your readers.
Why is #040406 a poor choice for icons or fine text?
Because #040406 has so little saturation and value, it lacks the necessary definition to separate itself from other dark backgrounds or surrounding elements. Keep this color reserved for large background areas where its weight can be appreciated rather than lost.
Is #040406 readable on white or black?
#040406 has a 20.48:1 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.