Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt
The hexadecimal color code #0A3DB2 represents a specific shade of blue, often referred to as Cobalt. It is formed by combining 3.92% red, 23.92% green, and 72.55% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 10 red, 61 green, and 178 blue. The color belongs to the blue color spectrum, which can evoke feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. In color theory, blue is often associated with reliability and professionalism. The color is widely used in different areas of life from design to branding.
The color #0A3DB2, also known as Cobalt, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of Cobalt, light backgrounds like white or very light shades of gray are preferred to meet these contrast requirements. Using online contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Additionally, providing alternative cues besides color, such as text labels or icons, can improve accessibility for users with visual impairments or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against dark text, making it more suitable for backgrounds or accents.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention without being as dark as Cobalt.
- #6495ed
A slightly muted blue which can provide a calm and reliable base for layouts, when Cobalt is too powerful.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Cobalt can be used to highlight primary navigation elements or call-to-action buttons. Its strong presence can effectively draw the user's eye, but care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with surrounding text and elements. It can also be incorporated into website logos and branding materials to convey a sense of trust and authority. Consider using it sparingly as an accent color to avoid overwhelming the user.
Fashion and Interior Design
Cobalt's depth and richness make it a popular choice for elegant and sophisticated fashion designs. It can be used for evening wear, formal suits, or statement accessories. When used in clothing, Cobalt pairs well with neutral colors like gray, black, and white, or complementary colors like gold or yellow for a striking contrast. In interior design, it can be used as an accent color in furniture, wall art, or decorative accessories to add a touch of luxury and drama.
Data Visualization
Cobalt is suited as an eye-catching color theme for data visualization. In graphs, diagrams, and dashboards, the shade of blue allows for different gradients and emphasizes key information through its strong presence. By combining it with brighter shades, or neutral hues, it can guide the attention to essential data points. Be careful when using it on larger areas, as it could overwhelm the viewer and complicate the perception of the data.