Question 1

What is the difference between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK?

Accepted Answer

HEX is a 6-digit hexadecimal code used in web development (e.g., #FF5733). RGB defines colors by Red, Green, Blue light values (0-255 each), used in screens. HSL uses Hue (0-360 degrees), Saturation (0-100%), and Lightness (0-100%), which is more intuitive for designers. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used in print design and represents ink percentages.

Question 2

When should I use HEX vs RGB in web development?

Accepted Answer

HEX is the most common format in CSS for static colors (e.g., color: #FF5733). RGB and RGBA are preferred when you need transparency (e.g., rgba(255, 87, 51, 0.5)) or when calculating colors dynamically in JavaScript. HSL is increasingly popular in modern CSS because it is easier to adjust brightness and saturation programmatically.

Question 3

What is WCAG color contrast and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) defines minimum contrast ratios between text and background colors to ensure readability for people with visual impairments. A ratio of 4.5:1 is required for normal text (AA standard), and 7:1 for enhanced accessibility (AAA). Failing contrast requirements can make your website inaccessible and may violate accessibility laws in many countries.

Question 4

Why does my CMYK color look different when printed?

Accepted Answer

RGB colors are created by combining light (additive color model), while CMYK colors are created by mixing inks (subtractive color model). Not all RGB colors can be reproduced in CMYK -- highly saturated or neon colors often appear duller in print. This is called being outside the CMYK gamut. Professional printers use color profiles (ICC profiles) to manage this conversion.

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