Red Color: HEX Code, RGB and Meaning
Red is the warmest and most attention-grabbing of the primary colors, sitting at the long-wavelength end of the visible spectrum.
HEX is one common value Last updated:
#FF0000rgb(255, 0, 0)hsl(0, 100%, 50%)cmyk(0%, 100%, 100%, 0%)Color definitions vary by source. The HEX above is one common value for "red" from the open color-name-list dataset, not an official standard. CMYK is a simple conversion; printed results depend on ink and paper.
What red means
Red is the color people notice first. It is tied to heat, blood, fire and ripe fruit, so it tends to signal energy, passion and urgency at the same time. That is also why it can read as love in one setting and as a warning in another; context decides which.
In design, red raises the temperature of whatever it touches. A small red element will usually become the focal point of a layout, and a large field of it can feel intense or even tiring, so it is often used in measured amounts.
Tints and shades of red
Lighter tints are made by mixing with white and darker shades by mixing with black. Click a swatch to copy its HEX.
Red color palettes
Complementary
Two colors opposite each other on the color wheel: the strongest contrast.
Analogous
Three neighbors on the wheel: a smooth, low-contrast scheme.
Triadic
Three colors evenly spaced around the wheel: lively but balanced.
Colors that go with red
- White (#FFFFFF): Crisp and classic, it lets red stand out cleanly.
- Navy Blue (#000080): A traditional, steady partner for strong red.
- Charcoal (#343837): Grounds red and makes it look more refined.
- Mint (#3EB489): A fresh complement that calms the heat.
Similar named colors
Where red is used
- Fashion. A red dress, lip or coat is a deliberate statement, and the color suits both bold evening looks and small accents such as a scarf or a pair of socks. Deeper reds are easier to wear all over than pure red.
- Interiors. Red works in dining rooms and entryways where energy is welcome, but it is usually kept to a single wall, a rug or upholstery. Softer, browner reds feel calmer than the pure shade shown here.
- Branding. Food, sport, retail and entertainment brands lean on red for appetite, speed and impulse. In interfaces it is the usual choice for errors, deletions and alerts.
Red vs maroon
Maroon is red that has been darkened and slightly browned. Red is bright and clean; maroon is subdued and heavy, closer to dried wine than to fire.
The red shown here is the pure screen red at full strength, which is more intense than most paints and fabrics can reproduce. Everyday "red" objects are often closer to a slightly deeper tone.
Frequently asked questions
What does the color red mean?
Red is most often linked with passion, energy, danger and strength. Which one applies depends on the setting: a red heart and a red warning sign send very different messages.
Is red a warm color?
Yes. Along with orange and yellow, red is at the warm end of the color wheel and tends to look like it moves toward the viewer.
What two colors make red?
On a screen, red is a primary of light and cannot be made from others. In traditional paint mixing red is also treated as a primary, though pigments differ by brand.
What goes well with red?
White, black and navy are dependable. For something softer, try warm neutrals such as cream or camel instead of stark contrast.