Thunderbolt
Also known as: Wood Avens, Custard Puff, Paper Tiger, Transparent Yellow
Part of the yellow family, Thunderbolt pairs a pale base with a sunny and uplifting presence — ideal for 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.
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)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
warm
Nearest standard colors
- 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 — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — 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
Tints, shades, and tones of Thunderbolt
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
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
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 1.16:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 18.13:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Thunderbolt background: #000000
Palettes featuring Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt with its complement
Soft neighbors of Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt triad
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.
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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