Hi there! I’m currently working on the visual identity for my master’s pre-dissertation, and I noticed the back cover should be Pantone Cool Gray 7. No problem at all — in less than a minute, I knew that this corresponds to the hexadecimal code #97999b.
How did I know that? Well…
If you’re a designer, artist, student in a creative field, or simply someone who works with colors daily, you know how important it is to understand color standards and how to use them correctly. If you still have questions about hex codes or the famous Pantone system, let me break it down for you — simple and direct.
🎨 What Is the Pantone System?
Pantone is a universal color matching system used in design, printing, and fashion. It standardizes colors to ensure that, no matter the device or material used, the color is reproduced consistently.
This is essential, for example, when developing a brand’s visual identity and ensuring the logo color looks the same across all communication materials.
🧩 What Are Hex Codes?
Hexadecimal codes are a way to represent digital colors as text. Each color has a unique code (like #97999b) that can be used in design software or website development.
They’re widely used in graphic design and web development because they’re quick to apply and highly precise.
🔴🟢🔵 What Are RGB and HSL?
- RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue — a color model based on combining light intensities of red, green, and blue. Each component ranges from 0 to 255.
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, Lightness — a more intuitive model for adjusting color:
- Hue is the actual color (red, blue, green, etc.).
- Saturation is the intensity or purity of the color.
- Lightness refers to how light or dark the color is.
HSL is especially useful for designers who want fine-tuned control over how a color appears.
🛠️ Must-Have Tools to Work with Color
🔍 EncyColorpedia
If you want a quick and easy way to identify any hex code, EncyColorpedia is perfect. It not only shows the hex value, but also the RGB and HSL equivalents, and even suggests the closest Pantone matches.
It’s one of my favorite tools because it’s fast, clear, and incredibly practical.
⚙️ Other Useful Tools:
- Adobe Color – Great for exploring color palettes and extracting tones directly from images. Ideal for graphic and web designers.
- Pantone Color Finder – Perfect for those working with print materials. It helps you find the exact Pantone code for any color and ensures your printed designs stay consistent.
- Colormind – An AI-powered tool that creates smart color palettes from images. Excellent for when you need creative inspiration.
- Canva Color Palette Generator – Simple and accessible. Upload an image and get a full palette in seconds. Great for anyone working in accessible design platforms like Canva.
These tools not only make your life easier — they also help ensure consistency, professionalism, and precision in your creations. Whether you’re working on an academic project, graphic design piece, or personal website, understanding and using color correctly gives you a real edge.
I hope these tips help you bring your bold design ideas to life!
Because mastering color isn’t just a technical skill — it’s a creative superpower.
