#141414 Hex Color
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Sooty is an incredibly dark, achromatic shade that functions as a softer, more approachable alternative to pure black. Because it maintains excellent contrast ratios with white text, this hex code #141414 works perfectly for dark mode interfaces and minimalist UI backgrounds. It provides a grounded, sophisticated base without the harsh intensity of a true void, keeping your layouts readable and professional.
Questions about Sooty
What is the hex code for Sooty?
Sooty is #141414. In RGB that is rgb(20, 20, 20), in HSL hsl(0, 0%, 8%) and in CMYK 0%, 0%, 0%, 92%.
Is #141414 better than pure black for website backgrounds?
Using #141414 is often superior to pure black because it reduces eye strain and provides a more natural, comfortable contrast against light text. It creates a grounded, sophisticated aesthetic that feels less jarring while maintaining excellent readability for long-form content.
What colors pair well with Sooty #141414?
Sooty #141414 works exceptionally well with high-value neutrals like off-white or soft creams to keep the interface approachable. For a modern, professional palette, try pairing it with muted accent tones like dusty blue or sage green to add depth without overpowering the dark base.
Is Sooty readable on white or black?
Sooty has a 18.42:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.13:1 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.