Cardinal

Cardinal is a deep, saturated red that carries a notable warmth. It possesses a strong presence without the fiery aggression of a pure, primary red.

Its character comes from a subtle blue undertone, placing it somewhere between a vibrant scarlet and a more reserved crimson.

The color Cardinal, #C41E3A, is steeped in tradition and power, drawing its name from the crimson robes of high-ranking church officials.

It projects confidence and vitality, making it a choice for designs that need to convey passion, importance, and a sense of ceremony.

In UI and web design, Cardinal (#C41E3A) is most effective when used as a high-impact accent color. Apply it to primary calls-to-action, active states, or notification badges to guide the user’s eye. It creates a sharp, attention-grabbing contrast when set against neutral backgrounds like white, charcoal, or light gray.

While many brands use red, the specific #C41E3A shade is less common, presenting an opportunity for a distinct visual identity. You can see similar hues used for key interactions within the UI of apps like Memrise. Its relative rarity helps a design stand out.

Use the tools below to explore curated palettes, test color contrast for accessibility, and preview Cardinal in real UI components from leading apps.

Using the color Cardinal in your projects is straightforward, but consistency across different media is key. While the hex code #C41E3A is standard for web and app development, you'll need different values for print or other specific applications to maintain color accuracy.

Every color model represents color differently. For instance, RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values define colors for digital screens through additive light, while CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is used for printed materials. Other models like HSL, LAB, and LCH offer different ways to define and manipulate color. Translating #C41E3A into these formats maintains the integrity of Cardinal, no matter the medium.

To make your workflow easier, we’ve converted the hex code #C41E3A into a range of popular color models. You can find these values below, ready to copy for your projects.