Ever wonder how HTML color codes are put together? For the beginner, it can look like lots of numbers and letters that make no sense. In reality, HTML color codes are written that way for a specific reason that we'll look at in this article.
Introduction to the Hexadecimal System
In mathematics, the hexadecimal or simply hex is a numeral system with a base of 16 usually written using the symbols 0-9 and A-F. The numbers 0-9 have the same value as in the decimal system but starting with the letter A, the value keeps going up one up to the value of 16. A is worth 10, B is worth 11 and so forth until you get to F which is worth 16.
How the HTML Color Codes are put together
HTML Color codes are composed of six hex numbers that represent a possible 16.7 million color combinations. The hex color codes are built on the RGB color model. R stands for red, G for green, and B for blue. With your typical html code that looks like this: #FFFFFF it breaks down as follows. The first two hex digits #FFFFFF represent 'red'. The second set of two hex digits #FFFFFF represent the color green. The third and final set of two hex digits #FFFFFF represent the color blue.
A brief overview of the RGB model
The RGB color model, like the HTML color model can represent a total of 16.7 million colors. By varying the amoung of red, green, and blue, one can come up with any of 16.7 million colors. Each RGB value is represented by a number from 0 to 255. So a set of RGB values for the color white for instance, would look like this: 255, 255, 255.
Putting HTML and RGB Together
We've already established the hex numeral system with it's number range between 0 to 16. Now, when you combine two hex numbers, you can represent any number between 0 and 255. As you can see, RGB and HTML color codes represent the same color model.
Websafe Color Palette
Years ago, monitors could only display 256 colors. These monitors were still popular when HTML was first put together. As such, it was necessary to put together a list of colors that web designers could be sure any given monitor could properly display. Web safe colors are the result. The websafe color palette is made up of 216 colors.
It is always good practice to pick standard colors across the board, but it is no longer absolutely necessary to stick with web safe colors. Doing so now is more for purposes of holding to standard than it is for necessity. One exception to this rule may be developing websites for cellphones and PDA's. Having said that, these devices are now surpassing this barrier as well.
#FFFFFF represents the color white. #000000 represents the color black with every other color in between. I hope you now have a much better idea of why HTML color codes are look the way they do.
Joe Duchesne is the president of Yowling.com. They specializes in business web hosting and also offers you the ability to design a website online using their easy to use ecommerce website builder. Reprint freely as long as you provide a keyword rich clickable link back to our website.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..Color is everywhere and conveys a message even if we... Read More
The way you design your web site affects your visitors'... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
Website design is a very competitive area and there is... Read More
The effective design is this one, which is maximum simplified,... Read More
Do your web pages, sales letters or personal presentations include... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
As of September, Smartads went through what so many have... Read More
About two years ago, I had a go at commercial... Read More
To build a website, there are four methods to choose... Read More
1. Web site File Structure / File NamingMost search engines... Read More
Think of the people who visit your site as blind... Read More
Here are 10 dynamic website advertising tactics to super-charge your... Read More
The first step to starting any Internet business is conducting... Read More
A question we frequently get asked is, "how do we... Read More
Choosing the right typeface for your website copy is important,... Read More
CSS is a new option for website designers that have... Read More
There are several graphic software packages available to help you... Read More
Not too long ago while looking for businesses that do... Read More
Website design firms come in all shapes and sizes.When choosing... Read More
If your Web site doesn't project a professional and polished... Read More
If there's one thing that I've learnt so far, it's... Read More
With so many new websites going up, it is hard... Read More
Designing a website is hard job, and requires you to... Read More
QUESTION: My business is very small, just me and... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..Building a website that is exactly what you want and... Read More
Before I discovered the concept of Web site templates, I... Read More
Content is the most important part of any website.The Internet... Read More
I'm sure you've all heard the saying 'Build it and... Read More
1. Use .gifs rather than .jpgs. GIFs are smaller in... Read More
The Basics You have a flourishing business ? everything is... Read More
Increasing the length of time a visitor is on your... Read More
Almost everything is available on the web? products, services, e-books,... Read More
A web site builder can be a real life saver... Read More
You know that I'm always extolling the virtues of an... Read More
It seems more and more webmasters are using CSS for... Read More
For most people graphic design does not come easy. Unfortunately... Read More
Do use a consistent look and feel Your site should... Read More
Design sells. It's something that all of us know, but... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
Novice and professional graphic designers, we are aware that you... Read More
**How Colors are Used in web design:**Demarcates screen elements into... Read More
Whether you're hiring a designer who has created 10 sites... Read More
When your web site sells more than a dozen items,... Read More
If you are familiar with my work, then you have... Read More
Many people today are tired of the Microsoft software that... Read More
Does your website make you any money? Does it SAVE... Read More
If you are trying to sell a product or service... Read More
You know... Before purchasing your product a person comes to... Read More
First impressions are extremely important if you hope to do... Read More
Web Design |