Blue Charcoal
General Information
The hex color code #01071A represents a very dark shade of blue, often referred to as Blue Charcoal. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 2.7% green, and 10.2% blue. Its low values across all color channels contribute to its darkness. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 96% cyan, 78% magenta, 0% yellow, and 90% black. This indicates that it absorbs most wavelengths of light, reflecting very little, hence its dark appearance. Colors similar to Blue Charcoal are often associated with sophistication, depth, and a sense of mystery. Its use in design can evoke a feeling of elegance and understated luxury. The color is not very saturated.
The hex color #01071A, also known as Blue Charcoal, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to perceive for individuals with low vision or colorblindness. The contrast ratio against white text is critically low, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal or large text. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to avoid using this color as a primary background or text color. If it must be used, pair it with a very light color that provides a high contrast ratio (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Consider using accessibility evaluation tools to verify contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. When used, ensure that other visual cues such as icons, labels and spacing are provided to compensate for the low contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a1429
A slightly lighter shade of dark blue that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #1a1a1a
A dark gray that provides improved readability and accessibility compared to Blue Charcoal.
- #0047AB
A brighter blue can bring attention to the text/background while also helping colorblinded individuals.
Applications
Website Background
Blue Charcoal can be used as a subtle background color in website designs aiming for a sophisticated and understated feel. Its darkness provides a sense of depth and can make brighter elements stand out. However, it should be used judiciously and paired with sufficiently light text to maintain readability. Its use should be limited to non-essential interface elements, such as decorative panels or banners, where accessibility concerns are less critical. Always test the color combination with accessibility tools to ensure compliance with WCAG standards before deploying it in a production environment.
Digital Illustration
This color can be used for creating shadows in digital illustrations or graphic designs to add depth and dimension. Its dark hue allows it to seamlessly blend into darker areas, providing a natural-looking shadow effect. It can also be utilized as a base color for creating gradients, adding a sense of realism to the design. When using it for shadows, consider the overall color scheme of the design to ensure that it complements the other colors used. This is particularly suitable for designing logos or icons where subtle shadows can enhance the visual appeal.
Fashion Accent
The hex color can be used as an accent color in fashion design. Given its dark and neutral nature, it can be paired with brighter, more vibrant colors to create a balanced and visually appealing ensemble. It is suitable for garments and accessories that aim to add a touch of sophistication, such as scarves, gloves, or trims on jackets. For example, it can be used in contrast with a lighter color to accentuate the details on the outfit.