Originally shared over 6 years ago by Claude Ayitey, UX/UI Designer at DevCongress & BoughtSpot
Google’s search results once again surprised us with a handy feature: if you search for a HEX color value, Google not only displays the color but also offers an interactive color picker. This neat Easter egg has proven popular among designers and developers alike.
What’s the Feature?
When you type in a HEX code—say, “#aa1045”—Google’s search results return the corresponding color, complete with its HEX value. This functionality essentially serves as an on-the-fly color picker, making it easier to grab RGBA values and compare colors without switching to a separate app or tool.
Community Reactions
The announcement quickly caught on with the design community, sparking a variety of reactions:
- A Better Alternative?
Muharrem Senyil noted that this feature is even better than the native Mac color picker, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. - A Google Easter Egg:
Derrick Grigg remarked on the playful nature of the update—another delightful Easter egg from Google. Lucas Lazaro even recalled coming across a similar “minimalistic Google Easter Egg” while searching for “Bletchley Park,” emphasizing the fun, unexpected elements in Google’s design. - Efficiency for Designers:
Max Quinn pointed out how this addition makes it so much easier to quickly grab RGBA values from a HEX code, streamlining workflows for designers. - Comparisons and Alternatives:
Some users brought up alternative tools and similar results on other search engines. For example, M. Appelman mentioned DuckDuckGo’s comparable result, while Ozgur Ozer provided a link to a previous Designer News story on Google’s color picker feature. Meanwhile, Ryan B reminded everyone that including the hash (#) symbol before the HEX code is necessary to see the correct result. - Light-Hearted Banter:
Amidst technical insights, light-hearted comments also flowed in—Rob Hampson shared a chuckle about spotting a BPM metronome, and even a quick “Morning sir ;)” from Drasius m added a friendly touch.
Why It Matters
This seemingly small feature is a testament to Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience with unexpected, yet useful, details. For designers and developers, these little touches not only save time but also inject a bit of fun into everyday tasks.
The ability to get a quick preview of a color by simply typing a HEX code in the search bar illustrates how even large platforms can simplify routine work. Whether you’re comparing brand colors or just playing around with design ideas, this feature proves to be a welcome addition.
Conclusion
Google’s HEX value and color picker isn’t just a tool—it’s an example of how thoughtful design can merge utility with a bit of playfulness. The community’s enthusiastic responses underscore the feature’s impact, as users appreciate both the practical benefits and the quirky charm of this Easter egg. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a casual user, this innovation serves as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest details can make the biggest difference.