Color Picker from Camera - Eyedropper via Webcam

How to use this tool

Click "Start Camera" and allow camera access.
Point the camera at the color you want to sample; choose Freeze to hold a frame if needed.
Choose 1×1 (exact), 3×3, or 5×5, then click the preview to sample.
Copy the HEX, RGB, HSL, or HSV result shown below the preview.

How the color picker works

The live camera feed is drawn onto an HTML canvas in your browser. When you click or tap the preview, the tool reads pixel values from that canvas and converts them to HEX, RGB, HSL, and HSV. The preview and color calculations stay on your device; camera frames and selected pixels are not uploaded.

Choose an exact pixel or an average

The default 1×1 (exact) setting reads the single canvas pixel under the pointer. Choose 3×3 or 5×5 to average the red, green, and blue channels across the available square of pixels. Each channel is averaged in 8-bit RGB and rounded to the nearest integer. Near a canvas edge, the sample window is clamped to the pixels that exist, so a corner sample can include fewer pixels than the selected size. A larger sample can smooth small sensor variations, but it can also blend colors together when the window crosses a sharp edge. The ring on the preview marks the last pick; it is drawn over the canvas and does not change the sampled image.

Freeze a frame for careful picking

Choose Freeze in the video controls to stop canvas redraw while keeping the camera tracks active. The held frame remains available for clicking, copying color values, and downloading a PNG snapshot. Choose Unfreeze to draw again from the camera’s current frame. This is useful when a hand-held camera moves or a subject is small and you want to inspect one moment without interrupting the camera stream.

Color formats and practical uses

The result card shows a swatch and copy buttons for each format. HEX is common in CSS and web design, RGB gives integer channel values, and HSL expresses hue, saturation, and lightness. HSV (also called HSB) expresses hue, saturation, and value, which many graphics applications use in their color controls. For example, you can sample a fabric or paint chip and copy its approximate HEX value into a digital mock-up, or record RGB values when documenting a plant specimen. If you already have a photo, use the Image Color Picker to sample the still image.

Camera readings have limits

A phone or webcam is not a calibrated colorimeter. The displayed result depends on the camera sensor, exposure, lighting color, reflections, and automatic white balance. Brightness and contrast controls also change the canvas pixels used for sampling. Neutral, even light and a matte surface can reduce some variation, but the output remains an estimate rather than a guaranteed paint match or laboratory measurement. For a color-critical decision, compare the physical item under the light in which it will be used.

Frequently asked questions

What does each sample size read?

1×1 (exact) reads the clicked canvas pixel. 3×3 and 5×5 average the available pixels in that square using rounded 8-bit RGB channel means. At canvas edges, the window is clamped to pixels that exist. Larger samples can blend colors across an edge.

Can I freeze a frame before sampling?

Yes. Choose Freeze in the video controls to hold the current canvas frame while the camera stream remains active. You can still sample and download a snapshot; choose Unfreeze to resume drawing from the camera’s current frame.

How accurate is the color reading?

Camera readings are estimates, not calibrated colorimeter measurements. Lighting, reflections, exposure, the camera sensor, and auto white balance can all shift the result. Brightness and contrast controls also affect the canvas pixels that are sampled.

Is my camera feed uploaded?

No. Color values are extracted from the video frame directly on the canvas in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.