Cobalt
General Information
The hex color #064ABC, also known as Cobalt, is a deep, saturated shade of blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 2.4% red, 29% green, and 73.3% blue. This makes it a predominantly blue color with some green undertones. Cobalt is often associated with feelings of stability, trust, and intelligence. It's a popular choice for corporate branding, particularly within the technology and finance sectors. Cobalt's hexadecimal representation makes it easy to use in digital design, ensuring color consistency across various platforms. It is important to note that the perceived color may vary slightly depending on the monitor or display settings. In art, Cobalt blue is also a pigment widely used for its pure blue tone.
The color #064ABC, also known as Cobalt, presents some accessibility challenges, primarily due to its relatively low luminance. When used as text, it requires a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Cobalt might struggle to meet these ratios against moderately dark backgrounds. Therefore, it's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance. In user interface design, avoid using Cobalt for essential interactive elements without careful consideration of its contrast. Using a lighter shade or a different color altogether might be more appropriate for crucial textual information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving readability against various backgrounds.
- #0000ff
A more saturated blue that provides better contrast, making it a more accessible choice for text and interactive elements.
- #add8e6
A lighter color suitable for backgrounds paired with darker text, to avoid overpowering the design.
Applications
Brand Identity
Cobalt can serve as a primary brand color for technology companies, financial institutions, or educational platforms seeking to convey trust, intelligence, and stability. The deep blue hue elicits a sense of professionalism and reliability. Cobalt could be effective in logo design, website layouts, and marketing materials to establish a consistent brand identity. Use it to accent key elements and calls to action, keeping accessibility in mind.
User Interface Design
In user interface design, Cobalt can be utilized sparingly for highlighting interactive elements such as buttons, links, or progress bars. Due to its lower luminance, it's best used against light backgrounds to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. Avoid using it for extensive blocks of text. Cobalt can also enhance visualizations, such as charts and graphs, to distinguish data sets effectively.
Fashion and Interior Design
Cobalt can be used for clothing or accessories. Consider using it in small doses for shoes, bags, or belts. It works well in combination with neutral colors like gray, black, or white. Cobalt can also be used in interior design as an accent color in artwork, throw pillows, or decorative items to add a touch of sophistication and depth to a room. It pairs well with light-colored walls and natural materials like wood or stone.