Background Color Generator
Generate perfect solid colors and CSS gradients. Features contrast checking, WCAG compliance, and one-click CSS export for web designers.
About
This tool is designed to eliminate the guesswork in selecting web-safe, accessible background colors. Unlike simple color pickers, it calculates real-time WCAG Contrast Ratios to ensure your text remains readable against the generated background. Whether you need a flat matte solid or a complex multi-stop gradient, the engine computes the underlying CSS values instantly.
We use the HSLA color space for generation, which allows for more natural color transitions than the standard RGB model. By manipulating Hue, Saturation, and Lightness independently, the tool can generate harmonious palettes that maintain consistent perceived brightness.
Formulas
To determine if a background color is accessible, we calculate its Relative Luminance (L). This measures the perceived brightness of the color on a scale from 0 (Black) to 1 (White).
Where R, G, and B are the linearized RGB values. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for WCAG AA compliance.
Reference Data
| Color Space | Format | CSS Syntax Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hex | Base-16 | #FF5733 | Standard Web Design |
| RGB | Additive | rgb(255, 87, 51) | Screen Displays |
| HSL | Cylindrical | hsl(14, 100%, 60%) | Human-Readable Tweak |
| RGBA | Alpha Ch. | rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5) | Transparency |