Thunderbolt
Also known as: Wood Avens , Custard Puff , Paper Tiger , Transparent Yellow
On screen, Thunderbolt registers as sunny and uplifting: a pale yellow at home in summer palettes and highlights and warnings. Reach for a blue companion shade to give Thunderbolt maximum contrast. For accessible text, use it on black or near-black backgrounds (18.13:1, passes WCAG AA) rather than white.
Reference
Thunderbolt color codes
- HEX
- #FDEFAD
- RGB
- rgb(253, 239, 173)
- RGBA
- rgba(253, 239, 173, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(50, 95%, 84%)
- HSV
- hsv(50, 32%, 99%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 6%, 32%, 1%)
- LAB
- lab(94.4 -2.2 33.8)
- OKLCH
- oklch(94.8% 0.085 97.6)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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warm
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: palegoldenrod #EEE8AA · ΔE 3.0
- RAL 1014: Ivory #DDC49A · ΔE 11.5 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck. Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Thunderbolt works
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively for dividers, chart series, and illustration accents, and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: Commands attention in logos and packaging; balance it with generous neutral space.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette: packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Thunderbolt
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Thunderbolt by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 1.16:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Aa on black
contrast 18.13:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Best text color on a Thunderbolt background: #000000
Palettes
Palettes featuring Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt with its complement
Soft neighbors of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Sour Lemon #FFEEA5 · ΔE 1.5
- Lazy Daisy #F6EBA1 · ΔE 2.1
- Glowlight #FFF6B9 · ΔE 2.2
- Jasmine #FFF4BB · ΔE 2.3
- Sunbeam #F5EDB2 · ΔE 2.3
- Eggnog #FDEA9F · ΔE 2.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Thunderbolt is closest to Cotton Boll .
FAQ
Thunderbolt FAQs
What color is Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt is a light yellow with the hex code #FDEFAD. In HSL terms it has a hue of 50°, 95% saturation, and 84% lightness.
What is the hex code for Thunderbolt?
The hex code for Thunderbolt is #FDEFAD. In RGB it's rgb(253, 239, 173), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 6%, 32%, 1%).
What colors go well with Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt pairs naturally with blue tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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