White is a color that can have many different shades and tints. When working with digital design, web development, or computer graphics, it’s important to know the specific HEX codes that represent different whites. HEX codes are 6-digit codes that represent colors in RGB (red, green, blue) format. By inputting a HEX code into design software, you can call up an exact shade of any color. This allows for consistency across platforms and applications.
The Basics of HEX Codes
HEX codes are made up of 3 pairs of digits ranging from 00 to FF, which represent the decimal values 0 to 255 for the red, green and blue components of a color. For example, pure red is FF0000, pure green is 00FF00, and pure blue is 0000FF.
When all three components have values of FF (the highest value), the result is pure white: FFFFFF. This represents 255 red, 255 green, and 255 blue.
Shades of white are created by reducing the RGB values while keeping them equal. For example, light gray is C0C0C0, where the red, green, and blue values are all 192 (which is 75% of 255). The lower the values, the darker the gray becomes.
Understanding these basics allows you to look at any white HEX code and get an idea of how dark, bright, or saturated it is.
Common White HEX Codes
Here are some of the most common HEX codes for white and off-white shades:
| HEX Code | Name |
| FFFFFF | Pure White |
| F5F5F5 | White Smoke |
| FFFFF0 | Ivory |
| F0FFF0 | Honeydew |
| F5FFFA | Mint Cream |
| F8F8FF | Ghost White |
| F5F5DC | Beige |
| FFF5EE | Seashell |
| FDF5E6 | Old Lace |
| FFFAF0 | Floral White |
| FFFFF5 | White Smoke |
As you can see, the codes cover everything from stark, bright white (FFFFFF) to soft off-whites with subtle tints of gray, cream, or pink. The names help you understand the tone of the color.
Shades of White for Backgrounds
When choosing a white for websites and digital designs, stark true white (FFFFFF) can sometimes appear too bright on screens. It’s often better to go with an off-white that’s easier on the eyes but still gives a clean, open feel.
Here are some good options:
| HEX Code | Name |
| F2F2F2 | Whisper White |
| F5F5F5 | White Smoke |
| FBFBFB | Ghost White |
| FAFAFA | Snow |
| F8F8F8 | White Lilac |
Whisper White (F2F2F2) or White Smoke (F5F5F5) give a clean, bright feel while still being easy on the eyes. Ghost White (FBFBFB) and Snow (FAFAFA) are also popular choices. White Lilac (F8F8F8) provides a subtle soft tone.
Shades of White for Text
For text, pure white (FFFFFF) usually provides the best contrast against page backgrounds. Off-whites can make text appear dull or grayish.
However, if pure white text clashes too much against colored page backgrounds, these slightly off-white codes can help soften the contrast:
| HEX Code | Name |
| F8F8F8 | White Lilac |
| F5F5F5 | White Smoke |
| F2F2F2 | Whisper White |
The subtle grayish tone allows the text stand out cleanly without being as harsh as pure white. White Lilac (F8F8F8) provides nice contrast in most cases.
Shades of White for Borders and Lines
When using white for borders, lines, or dividing elements, these darker shades can add visual interest:
| HEX Code | Name |
| D3D3D3 | Light Gray |
| A9A9A9 | Dark Gray |
| 808080 | Gray |
| 696969 | Dim Gray |
Light Gray (D3D3D3) provides nice contrast against backgrounds like Whisper White and White Smoke. Darker grays like Gray (808080) and Dim Gray (696969) can be used for bolder outlines and divides.
Matching Whites with Other Colors
It helps to pick shades of white that complement other colors in a design scheme. Here are some examples of whites that work well with popular color palettes:
With Blues:
| Page Background | Borders/Lines | Text |
| F2F2F2 Whisper White | A9A9A9 Dark Gray | FFFFFF Pure White |
With Greens:
| Page Background | Borders/Lines | Text |
| F5FFFA Mint Cream | 808080 Gray | FFFFFF Pure White |
With Pinks:
| Page Background | Borders/Lines | Text |
| FFF5EE Seashell | D3D3D3 Light Gray | FFFFFF Pure White |
Picking three complementary shades ensures all elements stand out clearly and aesthetically.
Conclusion
Knowing the specific HEX codes for different whites allows you to choose the perfect shade for every element in a digital design. Stark true white (FFFFFF) works best for text, while off-whites like Whisper White (F2F2F2) and White Smoke (F5F5F5) make great backgrounds. Darker grays can provide nice contrasting lines. Match your whites to other colors in the palette for a cohesive, professional look.
With this reference of common white HEX codes, you can achieve just the right tone, contrast, and style for your next design project.
