RGB to CMYK Converter — Free Online Color Tool
Convert RGBto CMYK. Live preview, hex codes, sliders, and reverse CMYK → RGB — for graphic design, branding, and professional printing.
RGB & Hex Input
Adjust sliders. Changes update CMYK in real time.
CMYK Print Values
Percentages for offset and digital print workflows (standard RGB→CMYK model).
Screen RGB uses light; print CMYK uses ink. Converted colors may look different on paper — always request a physical proof for brand work.
CMYK Input (%)
Enter cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as percentages (0–100).
RGB Result
Common RGB to CMYK Conversions
Click a row to load that color in the converter.
| Color | RGB | Hex | CMYK |
|---|
RGB to CMYK Conversion Formulas
Standard subtractive model used in most design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva export).
| Step | Formula |
|---|---|
| Normalize RGB | R′ = R÷255, G′ = G÷255, B′ = B÷255 |
| Black (K) | K = 1 − max(R′, G′, B′) |
| Cyan | C = (1 − R′ − K) ÷ (1 − K) |
| Magenta | M = (1 − G′ − K) ÷ (1 − K) |
| Yellow | Y = (1 − B′ − K) ÷ (1 − K) |
| CMYK → RGB | R = 255×(1−C)×(1−K), same for G and B |
When K = 1 (pure black), C = M = Y = 0. Percentages shown = value × 100.
Why Convert RGB to CMYK?
CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) is a subtractive model for printing — ink on paper absorbs light. Colors that look vivid on screen often print duller unless you convert and adjust for CMYK gamut.
This RGB to CMYK converter helps designers, marketers, and print shops translate digital brand colors into press-ready values before sending files to a commercial printer in the US, UK, Canada, or worldwide.
RGB vs CMYK — quick comparison
| Model | Used for | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | Web, video, UI, social graphics | 0–255 per channel |
| CMYK | Brochures, packaging, business cards, magazines | 0–100% per ink |
| Hex | HTML/CSS hex codes (#FF0000) | Shorthand for RGB |
Example conversions
| Color | RGB | CMYK (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pure red | 255, 0, 0 | 0%, 100%, 100%, 0% |
| Pure green | 0, 255, 0 | 100%, 0%, 100%, 0% |
| Pure blue | 0, 0, 255 | 100%, 100%, 0%, 0% |
| White | 255, 255, 255 | 0%, 0%, 0%, 0% |
| Black | 0, 0, 0 | 0%, 0%, 0%, 100% |
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RGB to CMYK FAQ
How do I convert RGB to CMYK?
Normalize each RGB channel to 0–1, calculate K = 1 − max(R,G,B), then C, M, and Y from the standard formulas. This calculator applies those steps and shows percentages instantly.
Why do my colors look different when printed?
RGB screens can display more saturated colors than CMYK ink can reproduce. Always convert to CMYK before print export and use a physical proof to match brand colors.
What does the K in CMYK stand for?
K means key (black ink). It improves shadow detail and reduces ink cost compared to mixing C+M+Y for black.
Can I convert CMYK back to RGB?
Yes. Use the CMYK → RGB tab on this page. Reverse conversion is useful for previewing print colors on a website or mockup.
Is hex the same as RGB?
Hex is another way to write RGB. #FF0000 = rgb(255, 0, 0). This tool syncs hex, RGB sliders, and CMYK together.
What CMYK values should I send to my printer?
Export PDFs in CMYK with embedded profiles (often US Web Coated SWOP or ISO Coated v2 depending on region). Confirm required color profile with your print vendor.
Converts colors from RGB format to CMYK format.
2026-06-04 23:48:44
Taylor Bennett