HEX to LAB Converter

🎨 HEX to LAB Converter

Convert hex color codes to LAB values for professional color management

#3B82F6
Blue 500

Single Conversion

Formats: #3B82F6, #3b82f6, 3B82F6, 3b82f6

LAB Adjustment

Batch Conversion

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Table of Contents

How to Convert HEX to LAB

The conversion process involves parsing HEX values and transforming them to LAB format: Parse the hex color code and convert it to the perceptually uniform LAB color space used in professional color management.

Conversion Process:

1. Parse HEX → RGB: Convert hex to RGB values (0-255)
2. RGB → XYZ: Transform RGB to CIE XYZ color space
3. XYZ → LAB: Convert XYZ to CIE LAB using complex formulas
4. Format Output: Combine L*, a*, b* into LAB format

Example (#FF0000): R=255, G=0, B=0 → lab(53.24, 80.09, 67.20)

Example (#00FF00): R=0, G=255, B=0 → lab(87.73, -86.18, 83.18)

Example (#0000FF): R=0, G=0, B=255 → lab(32.30, 79.19, -107.86)

Step-by-Step Conversion Process:

  1. Validate Format: Ensure hex code is in correct format (#RRGGBB)
  2. Parse Components: Extract R, G, B values from hex string
  3. Normalize RGB: Convert RGB to 0-1 range (divide by 255)
  4. Apply Gamma Correction: Convert sRGB to linear RGB
  5. RGB to XYZ: Use CIE color matching functions
  6. XYZ to LAB: Apply CIE LAB transformation formulas
  7. Format Output: Combine L*, a*, b* with proper precision

Understanding LAB Components:

L* (Lightness): Perceptual lightness (0-100)
0=black, 50=middle gray, 100=white
a* (Green-Red): Color axis (-128 to +127)
Negative=green, Positive=red
b* (Blue-Yellow): Color axis (-128 to +127)
Negative=blue, Positive=yellow

Supported HEX Input Formats:

#FF0000

Standard format with #

FF0000

Without # prefix

#ff0000

Lowercase format

ff0000

Lowercase without #

Common HEX to LAB Conversions

HEX Value LAB Code Color Name Common Use
#FF0000 lab(53.24, 80.09, 67.20) Red Primary colors, alerts, buttons
#00FF00 lab(87.73, -86.18, 83.18) Green Success states, nature themes
#0000FF lab(32.30, 79.19, -107.86) Blue Links, primary actions
#FFFF00 lab(97.14, -21.55, 94.48) Yellow Warnings, highlights
#FF00FF lab(60.32, 98.23, -60.82) Magenta Accent colors, creative elements
#00FFFF lab(91.11, -48.09, -14.13) Cyan Secondary colors, tech themes
#FFFFFF lab(100.00, 0.00, 0.00) White Backgrounds, text on dark
#000000 lab(0.00, 0.00, 0.00) Black Text, backgrounds
#808080 lab(53.59, 0.00, 0.00) Gray Neutral elements, borders
#FFA500 lab(74.93, 23.93, 78.95) Orange Attention, CTAs
#800080 lab(30.33, 68.63, -77.70) Purple Branding, luxury themes
#FFC0CB lab(84.07, 16.35, 6.65) Pink Soft accents, feminine themes
#A52A2A lab(33.29, 47.79, 28.99) Brown Earth tones, warm elements
#3B82F6 lab(52.99, 11.84, -68.91) Blue 500 Primary actions, links
#10B981 lab(62.80, -40.31, 20.49) Emerald Success states, positive feedback

HEX vs LAB – Understanding Color Formats

HEX vs LAB serve different purposes in digital color representation. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective color management and design systems.

When to Use HEX Values:

  • Web Development: Direct color representation for websites
  • CSS Properties: HTML and CSS color assignments
  • Digital Displays: Screen color representation
  • Simple Projects: Basic color specifications
  • Quick Prototyping: Fast color implementation

When to Use LAB Values:

  • Color Management: Professional color accuracy
  • Printing Industry: Print color specifications
  • Photography: Image editing and color correction
  • Design Systems: Consistent color across media
  • Quality Control: Color measurement and matching

Best Practices for HEX to LAB Conversion:

🎯 Validate Format

Ensure hex codes are valid 6-digit format.

#RRGGBB or RRGGBB format required

📝 Case Insensitive

Accept both uppercase and lowercase hex.

#FF0000 = #ff0000

🔄 CIE Standard

Use standard CIE transformation matrices.

D65 illuminant, 2° observer

📱 Precision

Maintain appropriate decimal precision.

L*: 0-100, a*/b*: ±128

Author

  • Manish Kumar

    Manish holds a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) and an M.Tech in Power Systems, with over 10 years of experience in Metro Rail Systems, specializing in advanced rail infrastructure. He is also a NASM-certified fitness and nutrition coach with more than a decade of experience in weightlifting and fat loss coaching. With expertise in gym-based training, lifting techniques, and biomechanics, Manish combines his technical mindset with his passion for fitness.

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