Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt (#003FB4)
The hexadecimal color code #003FB4 represents a shade of blue known as Cobalt. It's composed of 0% red, 24.3% green, and 70.6% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to 0 red, 63 green, and 180 blue. The color has a hue angle of 216 degrees, a saturation of 100%, and a lightness of 35.3%. Cobalt is often associated with qualities like stability, trust, and intelligence. It's a popular choice in web design and graphic design for conveying a sense of professionalism and reliability. When using Cobalt, it's important to consider color accessibility to ensure that content is readable for users with visual impairments. Proper contrast between text and background is crucial to create a positive user experience. Cobalt's rich and deep tone makes it versatile for various applications, from buttons and links to backgrounds and accents.
The hex color #003FB4, also known as Cobalt, presents some accessibility considerations for web developers. Due to its relatively low luminance, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast between the text and background when using this color for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using online contrast checkers, developers can verify if the color combination they chose meets these standards. If the contrast is insufficient, consider lightening the color or darkening the background to improve readability for users, especially those with visual impairments. Furthermore, avoid using #003FB4 as the sole means of conveying information, such as in links or error messages, as colorblind users may not be able to distinguish it effectively. Always provide alternative visual cues like underlines or icons, accompanied by appropriate ARIA attributes for screen readers.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Primary Buttons
Cobalt, #003FB4, can be used for primary buttons to draw attention to key actions on a website. It's vibrant and eye-catching, making it suitable for calls to action like 'Sign Up' or 'Learn More.' In combination with a white or light gray text, it provides a visually appealing and accessible user interface. However, always ensure sufficient contrast for readability. Complementary colors like yellow or orange can be used to highlight related elements or create visual interest around the button.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Cobalt can effectively represent a distinct category in charts and graphs. Its unique hue makes it easily distinguishable from other colors, making it ideal for representing key data points or trends. In line graphs, it can highlight important performance indicators, while in pie charts, it can represent a significant portion of the whole. To ensure accessibility, avoid using only color to differentiate categories and provide labels or tooltips with additional information.
Website Headers and Navigation
Cobalt can be a striking choice for website headers and navigation bars, providing a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness. Paired with clean typography and a minimalist design, it can create a sophisticated and modern look. When used in navigation, ensure active states and hover effects are clearly indicated to enhance usability. Consider using a lighter tint of the color for the hover state or a contrasting color for the active state.