#AB0000 Hex Color

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Hex color #ab0000 graphic
#ab0000 is a saturated, intense red that commands immediate attention. This dark, punchy shade works best as a 10% accent rather than a background color, which can quickly overwhelm a design. It pairs well with slate grays for a grounded look. Because of its high intensity, the hex code #ab0000 ensures accessibility with white text for important interface alerts or calls to action.

Questions about #ab0000

What is #ab0000 in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #ab0000 is rgb(171, 0, 0), in HSL hsl(0, 100%, 34%) and in CMYK 0%, 100%, 100%, 33%.
Where should I use #ab0000 in a design?
#ab0000 is extremely vibrant, so it works best as a sharp 10% accent rather than a background. Use it sparingly for critical interface elements like error alerts or high-priority call-to-action buttons to ensure it commands attention without overwhelming your layout.
Does #ab0000 pair well with neutral tones?
This intense red creates a grounded look when paired with slate or charcoal grays. These cooler, darker neutrals provide a sophisticated balance that tames the aggression of the red while keeping the overall design legible and professional for user interfaces.
Is #ab0000 readable on white or black?
#ab0000 has a 7.68:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.73:1 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.