The hex color code #ff0000 represents the color red in HTML and CSS. Hex color codes are used to specify colors on websites by combining three values – the amounts of red, green and blue – into a six-digit number. The #ff0000 hex code is made up of a full amount of red (ff), no green (00), and no blue (00). This combination makes a bright, vivid red color.
Hex Color Codes
Hex color codes always start with a hash symbol (#) followed by six hex digits from 0-9 and A-F. Each pair of digits represents one of the three color channels: red, green and blue (RGB).
The amount of each color is specified from 00 to FF, where 00 means none of that color and FF means the full amount. By mixing different quantities of red, green and blue, over 16 million unique colors can be specified in this way.
Some examples of common hex color codes are:
- #000000 – Black
- #FFFFFF – White
- #FF0000 – Red
- #00FF00 – Lime
- #0000FF – Blue
The structure of a hex color code can be visualized like this:
| # | RR | GG | BB |
|---|---|---|---|
| # | Red | Green | Blue |
The #FF0000 Hex Code
Looking at the structure above, we can see that #ff0000 is composed of:
- FF red – The highest amount of red
- 00 green – No green at all
- 00 blue – No blue at all
The combination of full red and no green or blue makes #ff0000 display as a vivid, pure red. This is the reddest red possible in the hex color system.
Other shades of red can be made by reducing the amount of red and adding some green and/or blue. For example:
- #ff4444 – A lighter red
- #880000 – A darker red
- #ff8800 – A reddish orange
But #ff0000 stands alone as the brightest, boldest red with no traces of any other colors.
Uses of #FF0000
The #ff0000 hex code is popular in web design for several reasons:
- It attracts attention – The eye is naturally drawn to this bright, vivid shade.
- It conveys energy and excitement – Red is an energetic, passionate color.
- It signifies warnings or errors – Red alerts stand out against other content.
Some common uses of #ff0000 in web design include:
- Call-to-action buttons
- Headings and highlights
- Borders and decorative accents
- Error messages and validation alerts
- Notifications and alerts
Of course, red should be used sparingly and deliberately for maximum impact. Large blocks of bright red content will be overwhelming. But used judiciously, #ff0000 can capture attention and create visual hierarchy.
Color Psychology of #FF0000
Red has a number of psychological effects and associations that marketers and designers consider when using the #ff0000 hex code:
- Excitement and Passion – Red conveys excitement, energy, and passion. It draws attention and gets the heart pumping faster.
- Love and Romance – Red is associated with the heart, and is a color of love, passion, and romance.
- Danger and Warnings – Red signals danger, errors, and warnings. It commands people to stop or be cautious.
- Power and Strength – As a bold, intense color, red is associated with power, strength, and determination.
Brands choose red when they want to stand out, convey passion and excitement, or communicate a sense of power or speed. But red can also alienate some audiences, especially when heavily saturated. It should be used carefully depending on the tone and goals of marketing campaigns and websites.
Accessibility of #FF0000
When using #ff0000 for text or foreground elements, it’s important to ensure sufficient contrast with the background color. Red text on a white background generally provides enough contrast for accessibility.
The WCAG 2.0 recommended contrast ratio for normal text is 4.5:1. #ff0000 on white has a contrast ratio of 8.59:1, well above the minimum. But for large text (over 18pt or 14pt bold), the recommended ratio is 3:1. In those cases, a darker shade like #880000 can help improve contrast.
For conveying warnings and errors, #ff0000 provides strong visual cues. But colorblind users may have trouble distinguishing red hues, so always pair with additional indicators like text or symbols.
With a bit of care, #ff0000 can be used accessibly to highlight important information and create striking brand identities.
#FF0000 in Design Systems
Many popular design systems include a vivid red color like #ff0000 as part of their core palette:
- Material Design – #F44336
- Fluent Design – #D13438
- Carbon Design – #DA1E28
- Atlassian Design – #CC0000
These shades are slightly darker or lighter than #ff0000 but serve similar purposes in the color hierarchy. They are accent colors used for alerts, validating errors, indicating status, highlighting interactive elements, and adding visual interest.
#ff0000 is a foundational web color that fits right in with modern design systems. It has a distinctive look and feel all its own.
Matching #FF0000 in Other Code Systems
The #ff0000 hex code maps to several other color coding standards:
- RGB – rgb(255, 0, 0)
- HSB – hsb(0, 100%, 100%)
- CMYK – cmyk(0, 100, 100, 0)
- Pantone – PMS 485 C
- Lab – lab(53.24, 80.09, 67.20)
Converting #ff0000 to another base, like RGB decimal or HSL percentages, makes it easy to adjust the color or translate it for use in different programs.
Conclusion
The #ff0000 hex color code creates a bright, vivid red. By combining full intensity red with no green or blue, #ff0000 displays the purest, boldest red possible in HTML and CSS. This eye-catching shade is used for calls-to-action, warnings, and highlighting important content. Red has a strong psychological impact, conveying excitement, passion, danger, and strength. When used strategically, #ff0000 can capture attention and give visual identity to brands and websites.