Why is the color picker not working in Photoshop?

Check the top Options bar: if Sample is set to Current Layer and you click an empty area, it will not sample other layers. Switch it to All Layers.

How do I copy a HEX code in Photoshop?

Double-click the foreground color swatch at the bottom of the Tools panel to open the Color Picker dialog and copy the six-digit HEX value.

Can I pick a color from an image without Photoshop?

Yes, drop the image into the browser tool above and click any spot to get its HEX, RGB, and HSL codes immediately.

Color Picker in Photoshop – Eyedropper & Quick Browser Fix

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Press I in Photoshop to select the Eyedropper Tool and click anywhere on your canvas to set the foreground color. If you just need a quick HEX, RGB, or HSL code from an image without opening Photoshop, drop it into the free tool on this page and copy the code.

Do it now, right here

HEX RGB HSL

Drop an image here or choose one

Recent colors

Step by step

In Photoshop, press I (or click the Eyedropper icon in the Tools panel).
Click any pixel on your image to sample it into the foreground color swatch.
If it is not picking the right color, check Sample Size and Sample mode in the top Options bar.
For a fast HEX code without Photoshop, drop the image into the tool on this page and click the spot.

At a glance

Symptom	Cause	Fix
Picks wrong shade	Sample Size is too large	Set Sample Size to Point Sample
Ignores other layers	Set to Current Layer	Change Sample to All Layers
Need quick HEX without app	Photoshop is closed	Drop image in Utilorca above

Where to find it on your device

Photoshop Eyedropper: Tools panel > Eyedropper Tool (I)
Sample settings: Options bar > Sample Size / Sample

How to Color Pick in Photoshop