International Klein Blue

#0331B0

About International Klein Blue

International Klein Blue, also known as IKB, is a deep blue hue first mixed by the French artist Yves Klein. Klein patented this color in 1957. What makes IKB unique is its intense saturation achieved by using a matte, synthetic resin binder that suspends the pigment and allows it to maintain its brilliance. This specific formulation enhances the visual impact of the color, making it appear almost ultramarine in its depth. The hex code for IKB is #0331B0. Because of its vibrancy and strong association with the artist Yves Klein, this color is often used to evoke feelings of artistic expression, innovation, and modernity. Its unique history and visual properties make it a distinctive choice in art, design, and branding.

The hex color #0331B0, also known as International Klein Blue, presents some accessibility challenges due to its deep, saturated hue and low luminance. When used as a foreground color for text, it necessitates a light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. 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 #0331B0 with dark backgrounds could result in a contrast ratio that falls below these accessibility standards, potentially causing visual strain for users, especially those with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider pairing #0331B0 with colors like #FFFFFF, #F0F0F0, or other light shades of gray to meet the necessary contrast requirements. In UI design, this color can be effectively employed for decorative elements, icons, or accents, but it should be used cautiously for crucial interactive elements to avoid readability issues. Careful consideration of color pairings and contrast ratios is essential for ensuring an inclusive and user-friendly design.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

RGB
3 49 176
RGB3 49 176
Red
Green
Blue
HSL
224.05deg 96.65% 35.1%
224.0596.6535.1HSL
Hue
Saturation
Lightness
HWB
224.05deg 1.18% 30.98%
224.051.1830.98HWB
Hue
Whiteness
Blackness
hex#0331B0
rgb3 49 176
hsl224.05deg 96.65% 35.1%
cmyk98.3% 72.16% 0% 30.98%
hwb224.05deg 1.18% 30.98%
xyz-d650.09 0.05 0.42
oklch0.3923 0.2039 263.67
oklab0.3923 -0.02 -0.2
CMYK
98.3% 72.16% 0% 30.98%
98.372.16030.98CMYK
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Key
XYZ-d65
0.09 0.05 0.42
0.090.050.42XYZ
X
Y
Z
OKLCH
0.3923 0.2039 263.67
0.39230.2039263.67LCH
Lightness
Chroma
Hue
OKLAB
0.3923 -0.02 -0.2
0.3923-0.02-0.2LAB
Lightness
Green-Red
Blue-Yellow

Alternative colors

Applications

Complementary color

Buttons