White is one of the basic colors in HTML and on the web. When displaying text and images on a web page, choosing the right shade of white can make a big difference in how things look. So what exactly is “white” in HTML and CSS, and how do you use it properly?
The Basics of Displaying White
At the most basic level, displaying the color white on a web page is done by specifying a hex color code or one of the predefined color name values. The hex code for pure white is #FFFFFF. You can use this code anywhere colors are defined in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code:
<body style="background-color: #FFFFFF">Alternatively, you can use the keyword “white” to specify the color instead of the hex code:
body {
background-color: white;
}Both methods result in the same pure white being displayed. These options define a solid white background or text, with no transparency.
Shades of White
However, not all “white” is created equal on the web. There are actually many subtle variations of white that can be defined. This gives you more control over the exact look you want to achieve.
For example, here are some common shades of white used in web design:
| Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Snow | #FFFAFA |
| Ghost White | #F8F8FF |
| White Smoke | #F5F5F5 |
| Floral White | #FFFAF0 |
As you can see, these are slightly different from pure white in their red, green, and blue values. By mixing in small amounts of other colors, subtly different “whites” can be created.
Backgrounds vs Text
When choosing a white, consider if it will be used for backgrounds or text. A bright pure white (#FFFFFF) works well for backgrounds. Off-whites like Ghost White can work better for text, reducing glare and making long passages easier to read.
For text, also consider lower contrast options like off-black (#333) instead of pure black (#000). Experiment to find a color palette with enough contrast for accessibility but not so much glare on long stretches of text.
Transparency in White
White can also be made transparent for interesting effects on images and complex backgrounds. This is done by adding an alpha channel, or transparency value, to the hex code. For example:
.overlay {
background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
}The alpha value ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 being fully transparent and 1 being solid. In this example, 0.5 makes the white 50% transparent.
Accessibility Considerations
When pairing white with other colors, keep accessibility in mind. Some color combinations can make your text hard to read for visually impaired users.
Tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker can help test the compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.0. Generally, darker shades like pure black provide the best contrast with white.
Putting White to Use
Now that you know the various shades and techniques, here are some ways to effectively use white on your web pages:
- Use bright white backgrounds behind dark text for maximum contrast and readability.
- Try softer whites like Floral White for a more subtle, elegant feel.
- Add semi-transparent whites atop images for overlays and banners.
- Experiment with shades of white text against darker backgrounds to reduce glare.
And remember, white space is important too! Don’t be afraid of leaving plenty of padding and negative space for a clean, uncluttered look.
While it may seem basic, the right white can go a long way in making attractive, usable web pages and applications. Learn how to master all its variations.
Common Questions
What are the white color codes for HTML?
The main white color codes are:
- #FFFFFF – Pure white
- #FFF – Shorthand hex code
- white – Named color
There are also additional shades of white including: Snow (#FFFAFA), Ghost White (#F8F8FF), White Smoke (#F5F5F5), and more.
How do I choose between different whites?
Consider using a pure bright white for backgrounds and softer whites for text. Ghost White (#F8F8FF) is popular for subtle text effects. For overlays, try a semi-transparent white with the RGBa syntax.
What are accessibility issues with white text?
Solid white text on a light background can be difficult for some users to read. Fail AA and AAA contrast ratios. Black text usually gives the best contrast on white. Darker shades like gray may be easier to read for long passages.
Can I make a gradient with white as one of the colors?
Yes, you can make gradients using white along with other colors. This can create unique backgrounds and overlays. Use a gradient generator to experiment with different color stops and angles.
Conclusion
White may seem simple, but has many shades and uses on the web. A bright white background gives impact to your content. Soft whites reduce glare on text. And transparent whites can add elegant effects atop images. Consider contrast, transparency, and accessibility when using the many variations of white in your web projects.
