Congress Blue
General Information About Congress Blue
The color #004C7F, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. It evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability, making it a popular choice in various applications. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 29.8% green, and 49.8% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 100% cyan, 40% magenta, 0% yellow, and 50.2% black. The hexadecimal color code #004C7F is commonly used in web design and digital media to specify this particular shade of blue. Congress Blue gets its name from its association with governmental or official contexts, often used to represent stability and credibility. Its strong and formal presence makes it a great selection for both visual communication and branding.
The hex color #004c7f, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges primarily due to its relatively low lightness value. When used as a foreground color for text, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. For optimal accessibility (AAA compliance), the contrast ratios should be even higher (7:1 and 4.5:1, respectively). Using online contrast checkers is highly recommended to verify the contrast ratio against chosen background colors. Avoid pairing #004c7f with similarly dark colors, as this will make content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments. Lighter shades of grays, yellows, or even desaturated blues and greens can provide adequate contrast. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover, focus, and active states have sufficient contrast as well.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, making it suitable for text and user interface elements.
- #b0c4de
A softer, more muted blue that can be used as a background color to complement darker blues without creating harsh contrast.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant, eye-catching blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue's dependable and conservative aesthetic makes it suited to represent financial institutions or corporations who are looking for a feeling of trust and reliability. Its understated nature can be leveraged for branding in sectors like banking, insurance, or legal services where conveying trust and stability is paramount. When used in web design, it helps create a professional and credible online presence.
User Interface Design
In user interface design, #004c7f can be used for headers, navigation bars, and other structural elements. Its depth and richness is great for interactive buttons, menus, and highlights. It works very well to create visual hierarchy without being too obtrusive. However, it's necessary to ensure appropriate contrast for readability.
Fashion Design
Congress Blue can be incorporated into fashion design as an alternative to traditional navy. It is suitable for clothing, accessories, and even footwear. Its rich tone makes it versatile and easy to match with other colors. It evokes sophistication and style, making it an excellent choice for creating elegant and professional looks.