Jaguar
General Information about #040417
The hexadecimal color code #040417 represents a very dark shade of blue-black. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it consists of 1.57% red, 1.57% green, and 8.63% blue. When converted to the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model, it is composed of 82% cyan, 82% magenta, 0% yellow, and 91% black. This color is also known as Jaguar, a name that evokes sophistication and elegance. Due to its very low luminance, it is commonly associated with depth, mystery, and the night. Its darkness makes it unsuitable for situations requiring high visibility or readability without careful contrast adjustments. In web development and graphic design, this color can be used to create a subtle, understated background or accent.
The hex color #040417, also known as Jaguar, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based applications. Its extremely low lightness value (very close to black) means that it provides insufficient contrast with almost any other color. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text against its background to be considered accessible. Jaguar is far below these thresholds when paired with the standard white (#FFFFFF). Therefore, it's crucial to avoid using #040417 as a text color on light backgrounds or as a background color behind light text. To ensure readability and inclusivity, designers should opt for lighter shades or brighter hues that offer substantial contrast, particularly for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a1a29
A slightly lighter shade of gray can provide better contrast than pure black while retaining a similar dark aesthetic.
- #0a0a22
A dark blue can offer a similar depth of color but with a touch more visual interest and potential for better contrast.
- #262626
A dark gray is a versatile alternative that often provides sufficient contrast without being as stark as pure black, making it easier on the eyes.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
In web design, Jaguar (#040417) can be employed as a background color for sections where a dark, subtle aesthetic is desired. For example, it can create a sophisticated feel for website footers or side navigation panels, especially when paired with lighter-colored text and graphical elements that pop against the dark backdrop. It is well-suited for themes or interfaces aimed at nighttime viewing, or where the user can switch to a night mode setting. To maintain accessibility, it is vital to ensure that sufficient contrast with all foreground elements is strictly enforced. Jaguar is not recommended as a text color itself because of its inherent low readability and poor contrast, which would make the content inaccessible for many users.
Fashion and Interior Design
In the realm of fashion and design, Jaguar can be used to create garments or accent pieces that convey a sense of depth and sophistication. The color serves as a luxurious, low-key color in evening wear and formal attire, suggesting elegance and understatement. It can be paired with contrasting lighter hues to draw the eye and highlight particular details. The color can also be effectively applied in interior decoration, in areas like the walls of a home theater or accent walls in a living room, creating an atmosphere of quiet refinement and relaxed luxury. Due to its absorptive nature, it is best used in rooms with ample lighting to avoid making spaces seem dark and oppressive.
User Interface Design
In user interface (UI) design, the color #040417 can serve as a subtle backdrop for dark-themed applications. Its close-to-black appearance offers a low-distraction environment, allowing other UI elements to stand out. This color is suitable for interfaces where focus and minimal distraction are key, such as coding environments, professional video or audio editing software, or command-line interfaces. When employing this color, it is crucial to ensure adequate contrast between all text and interactive components, using light or bright accent colors for clear visibility. A balance between aesthetics and usability must be maintained.