How to convert arbitrary string to hexadecimal color code

Question

I've a list of arbitrary strings. I would like to convert these to a hexadecimal color code.

The code should not be random, as it is essential that the method must return the same color code each time I convert the same string.

SOLUTION:

public string GetColorCode(string value)
{
    var i = value.GetHashCode() & 0x00FFFFFF;
    return i.ToString("X6");
}

The solution should really be added as your own answer to the question, shouldn't it? I realize this would take the points from the answerer, but it would offer better content for later visitors (like me) and better follows the SO format. — OneHoopyFrood
– OneHoopyFrood, Commented Nov 19, 2014 at 20:09

Felice Pollano · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-13 13:07:45Z

3

You can use GetHashCode() as a starting point. Since GetHasCode() returns a full integer and you usually need just 3 bytes to define a color in RGB, you have to skip the noin significant part by doing either:

var color = str.GetHashCode() & 0x00FFFFFF;

or

 var color = str.GetHashCode()>>8;

this guarantee having same string, same color.

edited Nov 13, 2012 at 13:07

answered Nov 13, 2012 at 11:58

Felice Pollano

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3 Comments

dhrm Over a year ago

How can I convert this color integer into a hexadecimal color code? I've tried color.ToString("X"), but this does not always return a hexadecimal code with 6 digits.

Rawling Over a year ago

ToString("X6") will add leading zeroes if necessary, if that's your problem.

Felice Pollano Over a year ago

@DennisMadsen I corrected the answer with >>8, the ToString("X6") as suggested by Rawlign is the way to go after my suggestion.

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