Color Inverter

Invert colors to create negative/opposite colors.

Input

Output

Examples

Example 1

#FF0000

Example 2

#3498DB

Example 3

#FFFFFF

What is Color Inversion and How Does It Work?

Color inversion is the process of obtaining the exact opposite of a color in the RGB color model. Each channel value is subtracted from 255 to calculate the inverted color. For example, red (#FF0000) inverted becomes cyan (#00FFFF). This mathematical operation produces the color directly opposite on the color wheel.

Inverted colors provide high contrast, making them valuable in visual design. In dark mode theme design, inverting light theme colors can serve as a starting point for creating a consistent dark theme palette.

The photographic negative effect is an application of color inversion. This technique from film photography is used in digital design for special effects and artistic works, creating striking visual contrasts.

How to Calculate Color Inversion

The inversion formula in RGB color system is simple: Inverted_R = 255 - R, Inverted_G = 255 - G, Inverted_B = 255 - B. HEX color codes are first converted to RGB, inversion is applied, then converted back to HEX.

White (#FFFFFF) inverted becomes black (#000000), and gray tones remain gray when inverted. The resulting colors are positioned 180 degrees opposite on the color wheel.

This tool accepts HEX color codes, works automatically with or without the # symbol, calculates the inversion, and displays both original and inverted RGB and HEX values for easy comparison.

Use Cases for Color Inversion

Dark mode design: Inverting light theme colors creates an initial palette for dark themes. However, manual adjustment is always necessary, as pure inversion doesn't always provide ideal contrast or readability.

Hover effects and interactive elements: Using inverted colors for button or link hover states creates attention-grabbing interactions that clearly indicate clickable elements.

Accessibility modes: High contrast modes for users with visual impairments often use color inversion. Dark mode reduces eye strain, especially for users working on white backgrounds for extended periods.

Artistic and graphic design: Inverted colors create striking visual effects in posters, logos, and illustrations. The negative film aesthetic remains a popular stylistic element in the digital age.

Color Theory and Inverted Colors

Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel are known as 'complementary colors.' However, RGB inversion doesn't always produce the traditional complementary color from color theory.

In the RYB (Red-Yellow-Blue) color wheel, red's complement is green, but in RGB inversion, red's inverse is cyan. This difference stems from the distinct operating principles of digital (RGB) and traditional (RYB) color systems.

When creating split-complementary and triadic color schemes, you can use the inversion tool as a starting point, then make fine adjustments on the color wheel for harmonious palettes.

In color psychology, inverted colors can evoke opposite emotions. For example, the contrast between red (energy, passion) and its inverse cyan (calmness, professionalism) creates dramatic effects in design that can influence user behavior and brand perception.

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Color Inverter - Invert/Negative Color Generator

Invert colors to create negative/opposite colors.

Invert colors to create negative or opposite colors by reversing RGB values. Perfect for creating dark mode variations, finding complementary colors, designing themes, and generating color alternatives. Produces the exact color inverse by subtracting each RGB component from 255.

Keywords

#color inverter#invert color#negative color#opposite color#color reverse#complement color

Looking for more? Explore other Colors tools

Color Inverter

Invert colors to create negative/opposite colors.

Input

Output

Examples

Example 1

#FF0000

Example 2

#3498DB

Example 3

#FFFFFF

What is Color Inversion and How Does It Work?

How to Calculate Color Inversion

White (#FFFFFF) inverted becomes black (#000000), and gray tones remain gray when inverted. The resulting colors are positioned 180 degrees opposite on the color wheel.

This tool accepts HEX color codes, works automatically with or without the # symbol, calculates the inversion, and displays both original and inverted RGB and HEX values for easy comparison.

Use Cases for Color Inversion

Hover effects and interactive elements: Using inverted colors for button or link hover states creates attention-grabbing interactions that clearly indicate clickable elements.

Artistic and graphic design: Inverted colors create striking visual effects in posters, logos, and illustrations. The negative film aesthetic remains a popular stylistic element in the digital age.

Color Theory and Inverted Colors

Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel are known as 'complementary colors.' However, RGB inversion doesn't always produce the traditional complementary color from color theory.

When creating split-complementary and triadic color schemes, you can use the inversion tool as a starting point, then make fine adjustments on the color wheel for harmonious palettes.

Color Inverter - Invert/Negative Color Generator