#38393B Hex Color
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This dark, muted charcoal offers a grounded alternative to pure black. Because it remains highly readable with white text, #38393b works well as a base for UI backgrounds or minimalist typography. Avoid using it alongside very dark blues or purples, as the lack of contrast can make the design appear muddy. The hex code for this neutral shade is #38393b.
Questions about #38393b
What is #38393b in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #38393b is rgb(56, 57, 59), in HSL hsl(220, 3%, 23%) and in CMYK 5%, 3%, 0%, 77%.
How should I use #38393b in web design?
#38393b works exceptionally well as a primary text color or a soft background base for UI layouts. Because it is slightly lighter than absolute black, it reduces eye strain for users while maintaining excellent readability against high-contrast backgrounds.
Which colors pair best with #38393b?
Pair #38393b with clean, bright whites or soft off-whites to maintain a sharp, professional look. For accent colors, it balances well against muted earth tones like sage or terracotta, which prevent the design from feeling too clinical or sterile.
Is #38393b readable on white or black?
#38393b has a 11.56:1 contrast ratio on white and 1.81:1 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.