Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue (#0D438A)
The hexadecimal color code #0D438A represents a dark shade of blue, often referred to as Congress Blue. It is composed of 5.1% red, 26.3% green, and 54.1% blue. In the RGB color model, this equates to 13 red, 67 green, and 138 blue. The color is frequently associated with trustworthiness, stability, and professionalism. It is often utilized in corporate branding, government-related materials, and educational institutions to convey a sense of authority and reliability. The CMYK representation of #0D438A is 90.5% cyan, 51.4% magenta, 0% yellow, and 45.9% black. This color is visually appealing due to its depth and richness, making it suitable for both digital and print media. It is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of design applications.
The color #0D438A, also known as Congress Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a text color, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, the minimum contrast ratio for normal text is 4.5:1, and for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular), it is 3:1. Using #0D438A on a white background may not meet these requirements, potentially making the content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter shade of blue or a contrasting color like white or yellow for the background. Additionally, providing alternative text descriptions for images and using ARIA attributes to enhance the semantic structure of your content are vital steps. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate and adjust color combinations for optimal readability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it easier to read for users with visual impairments.
- #002651
A darker shade that can be used for backgrounds or accents, providing a strong contrast against lighter text.
- #6699CC
A softer blue for less intense applications, it offers a calming presence suitable for subtle background use.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Congress Blue can be used to create a professional and trustworthy design. Its depth and seriousness make it suitable for corporate websites, financial reports, and legal documents. It communicates stability and competence, fostering a sense of reliability. This color works well for headlines, call-to-action buttons, and background accents, enhancing the overall visual appeal while maintaining a professional tone. Pair it with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to balance its intensity and ensure readability. It is an excellent choice for brands that want to convey authority and dependability.
Web Design
In web design, #0D438A can be used for navigation bars, headers, and footers to establish a clear visual hierarchy. Its contrast against lighter backgrounds makes it easy to read and visually appealing. Additionally, it can be used for icons and buttons to draw attention to important elements on the page. It also can be used for creating a professional-looking chart.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, Congress Blue can be used to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to packaging and branding. It is suitable for products like eyeliners, eyeshadows, and nail polishes, creating a sense of luxury and refinement. It also can be used in a logo for a barber shop, paired with gold or other colors.