So this is a continuation of last week's Hex Code Blog!
The beauty of Science is that color can be broken down into numbers that everyone can understand!
Ever wonder how designers manage to get those color combos just right—every single time? Here's the inside scoop: it’s not magic... it’s hex codes, those little six-digit codes that start with a hashtag (#). They’re not just for techies—they're your shortcut to beautiful, consistent color, whether you're designing a quilt, creating digital art, or dreaming up your next branding project.
Let’s break it down—quilter style!
Wait, What’s a Hex Code Again?
Hex codes are six-digit codes made up of numbers and letters that represent color using the RGB (red, green, blue) system. Think of it like mixing paint—but digital.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain:
🔴 #FF0000 = Pure red (all red, zero green + blue)
🟢 #00FF00 = Pure green
🔵 #0000FF = Pure blue
The color values are defined in values between 00 and FF (instead of from 0 to 255 in RGB). Numbers are used when the value is 1-9. Letters are used when the value is higher than 9. For example, a=10, b=11, c=12, d=13 etc.
For example, the hexadecimal number for the number 83 is actually 131 in the RGB scale. We come to this conclusion by:
1. Multiplying the 8 in 83 by 16 (8x16=128).
2. Multiplying the 3 in 83 by 1 (3x1=3).
3. Adding the two totals together (128+3=131).
Another way to think of it is: (8x16) + (3x1) = 131
Working with letters is the same concept. For example, FF = 255 because you multiply the number that represents F (15) by 16, then multiply the number that represents the second F (15) by 1. Then add the two totals together to equal 255. Recognize that the number 255 is the same as the RGB number 255, which is bright red.
Here's an example for the hex color #d1a41d:
