Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
The hex color code #123478, also recognized as Catalina Blue, represents a shade of blue with a significant presence of blue pigment. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7.1% red, 20.4% green, and 47.1% blue. This color is often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trustworthiness. In a hexadecimal format, the color is represented by 12 for red, 34 for green, and 78 for blue. This encoding method is commonly used in web design and graphic design to specify colors accurately. The color appears darker since the values for red and green are significantly lower than the value for blue. Its relative darkness makes it a good candidate for backgrounds where light colored text is supposed to be displayed.
The hex color #123478, also known as Catalina Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used for text or interactive elements. Its relatively low luminance contrast ratio against white backgrounds makes it difficult for users with visual impairments to discern text or interface components effectively. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Catalina Blue often falls short of these recommendations, potentially excluding users with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, consider pairing Catalina Blue with lighter background colors, increasing text size and weight, or adding borders. Furthermore, providing alternative visual cues beyond color, such as icons or labels, can enhance the user experience for everyone. Testing with accessibility tools is essential to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against dark backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #000080
A darker shade of blue that offers improved contrast against light backgrounds, ensuring readability and visual clarity.
- #6699cc
A desaturated blue which can be used as a neutral background color for layouts and UI elements.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Catalina Blue, with its deep and calming tone, is an excellent choice for website backgrounds in the technology or corporate sector. Its sophisticated hue conveys trust and reliability, making it suitable for brands aiming to establish a professional online presence. Using this color as a primary background shade helps to create a cohesive and visually appealing design, particularly when paired with complementary colors like light grays or whites for text and interactive elements. To maintain accessibility, it is essential to ensure that the text provides sufficient contrast against the blue background. Additionally, subtle gradients or textures can be used to add depth and visual interest to the overall design, elevating the user experience.
Fashion and Interior Design
Catalina Blue can be used as an accent color in fashion design. Consider using it for accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes to add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. In interior design, this color works well as an accent wall in a bedroom or study. The calming nature of the color makes it ideal for spaces designed for relaxation and concentration. It can also be incorporated through furniture upholstery or decorative items such as cushions and vases, creating a cohesive and stylish living space.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Catalina Blue can be employed to represent specific datasets or categories in charts and graphs. Its distinct hue allows for clear differentiation between data points, making it easier for viewers to interpret information effectively. When using Catalina Blue in data visualization, it is important to consider colorblindness and ensure that alternative visual cues, such as labels or patterns, are provided to maintain accessibility. The calming tone of this color also adds a sense of professionalism and reliability to the presentation of data, enhancing the overall impact of the visualization.