TrarrenShot

Mac screenshot help

How to Copy a HEX Color from Your Screen on Mac

Digital Color Meter is included with macOS and can copy a color value from the screen. From version 1.5.2, if you are already about to take a screenshot, TrarrenShot lets you sample the color under the pointer and copy it in your selected sRGB or Display P3 format directly from the One Shot overlay.

Ways to pick a screen color

Use Digital Color Meter

macOS Digital Color Meter shows the color under your pointer and can copy its value as text. It is useful when you need a standalone color utility.

Sample during One Shot

When the color is on the screen you are already inspecting or capturing, sample it without opening another app.

One practical workflow

Using TrarrenShot Color Picker

  1. 1

    Start One Shot

    Start One Shot from the menu bar or with your configured shortcut.

  2. 2

    Point at the color

    Move the pointer over the exact screen color you want to sample.

  3. 3

    Choose the output

    From version 1.5.2, choose sRGB or Display P3 and the format you need. Choose sRGB and HEX when you need a #RRGGBB value.

  4. 4

    Copy the value

    Press C to copy the current color. One Shot closes after the color is copied.

See Color Picker details

Useful for

  • Matching a UI color in CSS
  • Checking a color in an app or webpage
  • Adding a color value to a design note
  • Sampling a visible screen color without another app

What to keep in mind

  • TrarrenShot samples the color directly under the pointer while the One Shot overlay is open.
  • In sRGB, HEX is #RRGGBB and has no alpha channel. Display P3 uses RGB components instead of HEX.
  • Press Esc instead if you decide not to copy a color and want to cancel One Shot.

Afterward

Paste the copied value where you need it. To capture and explain the same UI afterward, continue with One Shot or use the Inline Editor to add markup.

Frequently asked questions

Does macOS include a color picker?
Yes. Digital Color Meter can show a color under the pointer and copy a color value as text.
How do I copy a HEX color with TrarrenShot?
From version 1.5.2, start One Shot, point at the color, choose sRGB and HEX, then press C. TrarrenShot copies a #RRGGBB value and closes the current One Shot session.
What color formats does TrarrenShot copy?
From version 1.5.2, choose HEX, RGB, HSB, or CSS output in sRGB or Display P3. HEX is available in sRGB only; Display P3 uses RGB components instead.
Is TrarrenShot Color Picker a separate app?
No. It is part of the One Shot overlay.