Finding the exact color from an image shouldn't require expensive design software or confusing browser extensions. Whether you're a designer matching brand colors, a developer grabbing hex codes for CSS, or just someone who spotted a beautiful shade and wants to know what it's called — a reliable color picker from image tool saves hours of guesswork.
In this guide, you'll learn how to pick colors from any image online, generate full color palettes, and export values in hex, RGB, HSL, CSS, and JSON — all without uploading your files to a server.
Why Use a Color Picker Tool?
People use color pickers every day for countless reasons:
- Extracting brand colors from logos or screenshots
- Building UI color palettes for websites and apps
- Finding the exact hex code or RGB value of a color in a photo
- Matching paint colors, fashion items, or interior design inspiration
- Creating cohesive color schemes for presentations or social media
- Grabbing CSS-ready color values for web development
If you've ever tried to eyeball a color and ended up with something that "just doesn't look right" — you know why precision matters.
Best Free Color Picker Online: QuickTools.one
Try it here: https://quicktools.one/color-picker
QuickTools.one offers a fast, private, and feature-rich way to pick colors from any image — directly in your browser.
Unlike other tools, everything happens locally on your device. Your image is never uploaded to any server.
Why users love it:
- Pick any color from an uploaded image with pixel-perfect accuracy
- Generate color palettes with 5, 10, 15, or 20 colors automatically
- Copy color values as Hex, RGB, or HSL with one click
- Export palettes as CSS custom properties or JSON
- Supports JPG, PNG, WebP, and GIF
- 100% private — no uploads, no tracking, no ads
How Color Picking Works (Hex, RGB, HSL Explained)
Understanding color formats helps you use the right value for your project.
1. Hex Code
The most common format for web design. A 6-character code representing red, green, and blue values.
Example: #3B82F6 (a nice blue)
Use hex for: CSS, HTML, design tools like Figma or Sketch.
2. RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Defines color by mixing three light channels (0–255 each).
Example: rgb(59, 130, 246)
Use RGB for: CSS, JavaScript, image editing software.
3. HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness)
A more intuitive model based on how humans perceive color.
Example: hsl(217, 91%, 60%)
Use HSL for: Creating color variations (lighter/darker shades), CSS theming.
QuickTools.one gives you all three formats for every color you pick — copy whichever you need with a single click.
How to Pick Colors from an Image (Step-by-Step)
1. Open the tool
https://quicktools.one/color-picker
2. Upload your image
Drag and drop or click to select. Supports JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and GIF.
3. Click anywhere on the image
The eyedropper tool captures the exact pixel color under your cursor.
4. Copy the color value
Choose Hex, RGB, or HSL — click to copy instantly.
5. Generate a full palette (optional)
Select 5, 10, 15, or 20 colors to automatically extract the dominant colors from your image.
6. Export your palette
Download as CSS custom properties or JSON for use in your projects.
CSS export example:
--color-1: #181d2c; --color-2: #3b82f6; --color-3: #f59e0b; --color-4: #10b981; --color-5: #ef4444;
Color Palette Generator: Extract Dominant Colors
One of the most powerful features is the automatic palette generator.
Instead of manually picking colors one by one, let the tool analyze your image and extract the most prominent colors.
Palette size options:
- 5 colors — Perfect for minimal UI themes
- 10 colors — Great for branding projects
- 15 colors — Comprehensive palette for illustrations
- 20 colors — Full spectrum for detailed design work
Use cases for generated palettes:
- Web developers: Export CSS variables directly into your stylesheet
- Designers: Match a photo's mood for marketing materials
- Artists: Find complementary colors from reference images
- Content creators: Build cohesive Instagram or YouTube aesthetics
Common Color Picker Use Cases
For Web Developers
- Extract hex codes from mockups or screenshots
- Grab RGB values for JavaScript canvas work
- Export HSL for creating CSS color themes with consistent saturation
- Copy CSS custom properties for design systems
For Designers
- Match client brand colors from existing materials
- Build mood boards with accurate color references
- Create accessible color combinations
For Marketers & Content Creators
- Find exact colors from competitor branding
- Create on-brand social media templates
- Match photo filters to brand guidelines
For Personal Projects
- Find paint colors from interior design photos
- Match fashion items or accessories
- Identify colors in artwork or nature photography
Top Color Picker Tools Compared
1. QuickTools.one — Best for Privacy & Export Options
Everything runs in your browser. No uploads, no accounts.
Pros:
- Pixel-perfect color picking
- Palette generation (5–20 colors)
- Export as CSS or JSON
- Hex, RGB, and HSL formats
- 100% private
Cons:
- Eyedropper works on uploaded images only (not full screen)
2. ImageColorPicker.com — Popular Choice
Well-known tool with a simple interface.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Color name identification
Cons:
- Requires server upload
- Limited export options
- Ads on the page
3. RedKetchup Color Picker — Feature-Rich
Part of a larger toolkit with many utilities.
Pros:
- Multiple input methods
- Good palette features
Cons:
- Busier interface
- Server-based processing
4. Figma Color Picker — Designer Favorite
Built into Figma's ecosystem.
Pros:
- Seamless for Figma users
- Professional-grade
Cons:
- Requires Figma account
- Overkill for quick color grabbing
- Not a standalone tool
Pro Tips for Better Color Picking
Tip 1: Zoom in for precision
When picking from detailed images, zoom in to ensure you're grabbing the exact pixel you want — not a blend of adjacent colors.
Tip 2: Use palettes for consistency
Don't just pick random colors. Generate a palette to ensure your colors work together harmoniously.
Tip 3: Check contrast for accessibility
When picking colors for UI, verify that text colors have sufficient contrast against backgrounds. WCAG recommends at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
Tip 4: Export CSS for faster development
Instead of copying colors one by one, export your entire palette as CSS custom properties and paste directly into your stylesheet.
Tip 5: Save JSON for design tokens
If you're working with design systems, export as JSON and integrate with tools like Style Dictionary or Tailwind config.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the color picker free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no limits, no watermarks.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your images never leave your device.
What image formats are supported?
JPG, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and GIF.
Can I pick colors from my screen (not an image)?
Currently, the eyedropper works on uploaded images only. For full-screen picking, you'd need a browser extension or OS-level tool.
What's the difference between Hex, RGB, and HSL?
- Hex: 6-character code like
#3B82F6— most common for web - RGB: Three values (0–255) like
rgb(59, 130, 246)— used in CSS and code - HSL: Hue/Saturation/Lightness like
hsl(217, 91%, 60%)— easier for creating color variations
How many colors can I extract?
You can generate palettes of 5, 10, 15, or 20 colors, plus pick unlimited individual colors manually.
Final Thoughts
A good color picker does more than just tell you a hex code — it helps you build cohesive palettes, export in formats you actually need, and respects your privacy.
QuickTools.one delivers all of that in a clean, fast interface that works entirely in your browser.