The hex color code ff8c00 represents a shade of orange that can also be described as dark orange or burnt orange. Hex color codes are a way to specify colors on a computer screen or digital display using the RGB (red, green, blue) color model. FF8C00 is made up of:
| FF (255 decimal) | Red value |
| 8C (140 decimal) | Green value |
| 00 | Blue value |
With a red value of 255, green value of 140, and blue value of 0, this hex code produces a rich, warm orange hue that leans towards the darker end of the orange color spectrum. It has a highly saturated, vivid appearance. The name “burnt orange” evokes the deep, intense shade of the color.
Technical Specifications
Here are some key specifications for the hex color code FF8C00:
- Hex triplet: FF8C00
- RGB: (255, 140, 0)
- CMYK: 0, 45, 100, 0
- HSV: 22, 100%, 100%
- Name: Burnt orange
These values provide precise technical details about the color in various color models. The RGB values of (255, 140, 0) indicate the specific levels of red, green, and blue light that produce the color.
CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black – this is a model used for print design. 0% cyan, 45% magenta, 100% yellow, 0% black are needed to create burnt orange in the CMYK color system.
HSV refers to hue, saturation, and value. This burnt orange shade has a hue of 22° (the actual color), saturation of 100% (maximum intensity), and value of 100% (maximum brightness).
Use Cases
Because of its fiery, autumnal appeal, FF8C00 burnt orange can be utilized in a variety of design contexts:
- Branding – Orange is energetic and eyecatching, making burnt orange a strong brand color for promoting excitement and capturing attention.
- Fall themes -FF8C00 is evocative of leaves changing color in fall, as well as Halloween’s orange and black color scheme.
- Warning labels – Burnt orange provides high visibility, so it is useful for indicating caution on warning labels.
- Food packaging – Burnt orange can stimulate appetite, making it effective for packaging of snacks, confections, and savory foods.
Burnt orange hex FF8C00 flatters most skin tones, so it also sees use in cosmetics and fashion. Overall, the color is very versatile yet distinctive. It stands out from primary red orange hues.
Color Harmony
Certain color combinations work especially well with burnt orange FF8C00:
- Monochromatic – Different shades, tints, and tones of burnt orange create a sophisticated, elegant look.
- Analogous – Oranges, reds, yellows, and browns are harmonious with burnt orange.
- Complementary – Blue is the complementary color of orange and creates a vibrant contrast.
- Triadic – Combining burnt orange with purple and green forms an energetic triadic scheme.
Burnt orange FF8C00 can work in a variety of warm or cool color palettes depending on the desired look and feel. It has versatility as a bold accent color or subtle neutral.
Psychology
Color psychology suggests that burnt orange evokes certain moods, feelings, and attributes:
- Excitement – The vibrant, energetic shade stimulates excitement and creativity.
- Confidence – Burnt orange conjures up images of strength, courage, and confidence.
- Appetite – As an appetite stimulant, burnt orange can make food seem more appetizing.
- Fall/Halloween – The color triggers associations with autumn harvests and Halloween festivities.
- Masculinity – The bold intensity of burnt orange relates more to stereotypical masculinity.
While perceptions of color can be subjective based on personal experiences, burnt orange often conveys these types of positive, stimulating meanings. However, the darker shade may be overpowering in large doses. Using burnt orange as an accent can optimize its positive effects.
Conversion Tables
Here are tables for converting burnt orange FF8C00 to other color codes:
Hex to RGB
| Hex | FF8C00 |
| RGB | (255, 140, 0) |
Hex to CMYK
| Hex | FF8C00 |
| CMYK | 0, 45, 100, 0 |
Hex to HSV
| Hex | FF8C00 |
| HSV | 22°, 100%, 100% |
These conversion tables allow you to switch between hex code FF8C00 and other color models like RGB or HSV. This enables use across different programs, apps, and web platforms.
History
Burnt orange has long been present in nature in plants, minerals, and soils containing iron oxide. Historically, the color featured heavily in Buddhist robes in India and pottery glazes in ancient Egypt and China.
In the 1900s, burnt orange became closely associated with Princeton University and the University of Texas at Austin. Princeton adopted the shade in 2000, while UT-Austin has used burnt orange as an official color since 1883. Burnt orange is still iconic for these schools today, featured heavily on uniforms and merchandise.
Over the decades, burnt orange has solidified its reputation as a quintessential fall shade, linked to changing leaves in autumn. It is now deeply ingrained in popular culture as a symbol of the harvest season leading up to Halloween and Thanksgiving. FF8C00 burnt orange will likely maintain its autumnal associations for the foreseeable future.
Related Colors
FF8C00 burnt orange is closely related to these other orange shades:
| Pumpkin | FF7518 |
| Carrot Orange | ED9121 |
| Orange Peel | FF9F00 |
| Orange | FFA500 |
| Dark Orange | FF8C00 |
While burnt orange leans more towards the darker, brown spectrum of oranges, it still shares similarities with brighter, redder orange hues. It sits near the middle in terms of lightness/brightness compared to other popular orange shades.
Conclusion
FF8C00 represents a burnt orange color that straddles the line between red-orange and yellow-orange. Technical specifications in various color models precisely define the shade. Burnt orange is highly applicable for branding, fall themes, food contexts, and more. The stimulating color also carries psychological connotations of excitement, confidence, and appetite. While burnt orange has a long history, it remains ubiquitous in the modern world as a beloved fall seasonal color.
