Black #000000
Black, hex #000000, is the darkest color a screen can show, with red, green and blue all switched off. It has no hue and no lightness. It suggests night, ink, formal evening wear and authority, and in design it gives the strongest contrast against white and most bright colors.
| HEX | #000000 | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(0, 0, 0) | |
| HSL | hsl(0, 0%, 0%) | |
| HSV | hsv(0, 0%, 0%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) |
Text on Black
White text reads better on Black. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Black
Black tints and shades
Tints mix Black with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Black color meaning
In Western cultures, black has long been tied to mourning, formality and authority. Funeral clothing, tuxedos and judges' robes all draw on it. In many stories and traditions it also carries darker associations with death, evil and the unknown. Many religious orders and clergy also wear it.
At the same time, black means style and power. The little black dress, luxury packaging and high-end cars use it to look sharp and expensive. In martial arts, a black belt marks advanced skill. Black clothing is also tied to rebellion and subcultures, from punk to goth.
Its meaning shifts elsewhere. In ancient Egypt, black was the color of the fertile Nile soil and of rebirth, and in Chinese five-element theory it is linked with water. For international work, it is worth checking local associations.
How to use Black in design
Black is the standard for body text on white and light backgrounds. As a background it carries white text and bright accents strongly, which suits luxury, fashion, photography and entertainment brands. Pure black can feel harsh across large areas on screens, so many interfaces use a very dark gray for dark modes and keep true black for text or logos.
In interiors, black works in window frames, fixtures and accent walls. In fashion, it is the default for evening wear and the base of countless wardrobes.
Palettes with Black tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #000000.
Colors similar to Black
Work with Black
Black FAQ
Is black a color?
On screens, black is what you get when no light is emitted, so in physics it is often described as the absence of visible light. In paint, printing and everyday language, black is treated as a color or a neutral, and designers use it like any other color.
What does black mean in a logo?
A black logo usually suggests sophistication, authority and confidence. Fashion, luxury, media and tech brands use it often. Black logos also reproduce well on almost any light surface, so many brands keep a black version alongside their full-color mark. It also pairs with almost any accent color.
What is the difference between black and rich black?
On screen, black is simply #000000. In print, black ink alone can look flat or grayish over large areas, so designers use 'rich black', which mixes black with some cyan, magenta and yellow for a deeper result. Plain black is better for small text, which can blur with rich black.