Definition:
HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, Lightness (or Luminosity) values of a color. By mixing the values of the three choices in different increments, a new color is the result.
HSL is a color format used mainly for webpages. This color model is based on how the viewer perceives the color. About.com's Guide to Web Design offers a more in-depth look at HSL colors.
In PowerPoint, you can adjust the HSL colors of a graphic object (or the slide background) by modifying the values of either hue, saturation or luminosity (or lightness) or any combination of them.
This example will format a graphic object and is done in the following manner.
- Right click on the graphic object on the slide to select it. A shortcut menu of options will appear.
- Choose Format Shape.... The Format Shape dialog box will appear.
- Select Fill in the left pane if it is not already selected.
- In the Color section, click the paint bucket icon to reveal color options.
- Choose More Colors....
- Click on the Custom tab if it is not already selected.
- Make sure that the Color model: is set to HSLand not RGB. If HSL is not the current selection, click the drop down arrow beside RGB and choose HSL.
- Note the entries for Hue: Sat: and Lum: listed beside each of those options.
- Type in specific numbers or adjust the entries using the up and down arrows beside each option. Watch the color preview change with each variance,
- When you achieve the desired color, click OK to apply and close the Colors dialog box.
- Click the Close button to close the Format Shape dialog box.
Related Article - What is the RGB Color Model?
Examples:
Mary changed the HSL values of the slide background color so that it was a match to the company's logo.