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HSV

Hue, Saturation, Value — similar to HSL but uses 'value' (max brightness) instead of lightness.

Definition

HSV (also called HSB) stands for Hue, Saturation, Value. Like HSL it uses Hue (0-360°) and Saturation (0-100%), but the third channel is Value (0% = black, 100% = pure color). Photoshop and most color pickers use HSV because it matches how artists think about color: pick a hue, then adjust saturation and brightness independently.

Formula

hsv(H, S%, V%). Conversion to RGB depends on which sextant of the hue wheel you're in.

Example

hsv(0, 100%, 100%) = pure red. hsv(276, 31%, 100%) = Mauve. Reducing value darkens to black; reducing saturation pulls toward white.

Related tools

Color wheelColor picker

Related terms

HSL
A color model based on Hue (0-360°), Saturation (0-100%), an
RGB
An additive color model defining colors as combinations of R