#1C1C21 Hex Color
A grounded near-black for modern interfaces

This near-black grey feels serious and anchored, acting as a softer alternative to absolute black for interface backgrounds. With a high contrast ratio of 17.0:1 against white text, #1c1c21 maintains excellent legibility for body copy. It avoids the harshness of pure black, making it a reliable choice for professional UI design or moody, minimalist layouts where you need depth without visual fatigue.
Questions about #1c1c21
What is #1c1c21 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #1c1c21 is rgb(28, 28, 33), in HSL hsl(240, 8%, 12%) and in CMYK 15%, 15%, 0%, 87%.
Why use #1c1c21 instead of pure black for UI backgrounds?
Using #1c1c21 reduces eye strain by softening the extreme contrast found in pure black, which can appear harsh against white text. It maintains a sophisticated, serious mood while ensuring your interface remains legible and comfortable for long-term screen reading.
What colors pair effectively with #1c1c21?
Is #1c1c21 readable on white or black?
#1c1c21 has a 16.97:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.23:1 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.