Cod Gray
General Information about #040608
The hexadecimal color code #040608 represents a very dark shade of gray, often categorized as belonging to the 'Cod Gray' family. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, it consists of 4/255 red, 6/255 green, and 8/255 blue, resulting in very low values across all channels. This explains its proximity to pure black (#000000). Due to its composition, this color has a very low luminance value, meaning it reflects very little light and appears extremely dark to the human eye. In terms of color theory, #040608 evokes feelings of seriousness, sophistication, and can be associated with minimalism. However, its limited visibility makes it a tricky color to use effectively, especially concerning accessibility guidelines for web design and user interfaces. Because the amount of light that the color reflects is very low, it's very close to black.
The hex color code #040608, a very dark gray often called "Cod Gray", presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Due to its extremely low luminance, it offers very little contrast when paired with other dark colors or even some mid-tone shades. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast is essential for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. Text or interactive elements using #040608 on a white or light background may fail to meet the minimum contrast ratio requirements (4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid using this color for text, icons, or crucial user interface elements. When this color is unavoidable, ensuring the background is a very light color to meet contrast guidelines is extremely important. Tools like contrast checkers can help assess whether specific color combinations are accessible. Always prioritize readability and usability to ensure inclusivity for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of gray that provides improved contrast compared to #040608 while maintaining a dark aesthetic.
A dark charcoal gray that offers a bit more visual separation from true black, potentially enhancing readability.
This color provides a higher contrast ratio than the original, making it easier to read text and see UI elements.
Applications
Subtle UI Elements
In UI design, #040608 can be strategically applied to elements where subtlety is key. For example, it could be used for very fine dividers or borders to create a sense of depth without being visually obtrusive. It may also serve as a background color for non-interactive elements that should recede into the background, allowing more important UI components to stand out. However, it should never be used for primary text or interactive elements due to accessibility concerns. Designers should test color combinations to make sure that users can perceive text and interactive elements on this background.
Modern Website Design
#040608 can be used to create a modern look for a website by using it as the main background color in combination with white text. It is important to keep in mind the constrast ratio between the colors to make the design accesible for all users. The color is not recommended to be used for text, icons or other UI elements with a dark background.
Fashion and Accessories
In fashion, #040608 can be used in clothing and accessories to represent stealth and sophistication. The color can be used in high-end fashion to present the clothing as elegant and mysterious. It can also be used for goth or grunge inspired fashion as it fits the style very well. Due to the color being extremely dark, it is often combined with lighter tones to create a contrast. #040608 can be combined with black to create a very dark style.