CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). It is a subtractive colour model used in colour printing. CMYK values are percentages (0–100%).

Why does CMYK differ from RGB on screen?

RGB is an additive colour model for screens (light). CMYK is subtractive for print (ink). Certain vibrant RGB colours (especially bright greens and blues) cannot be reproduced in CMYK, which is why print designs can look different on screen.

CMYK Converter - Free Online RGB to CMYK Tool

How to Use the CMYK Converter

Enter values in any format: CMYK (0–100%), RGB (0–255), or hex (#rrggbb).
All three representations update simultaneously.
Use the colour picker to choose visually and read all three representations.
Copy any format with one click - HEX, RGB, or CMYK.

CMYK Converter (Color Formats) provides an essential bridge between digital design and physical production. This free online RGB to CMYK tool ensures your web-based hex codes translate accurately into print-ready percentages. By using a standard hex to cmyk calculator algorithm, you can preview how your brand colours will appear on the printed page.

Digital to Print Color and Subtractive Mixing

RGB is an additive model for screens, while CMYK is a subtractive model for ink. This print color converter handles the mathematical translation between these two spaces. Note that some vibrant cyan magenta yellow black combinations cannot be reproduced exactly in print; this is known as falling "out of gamut." This tool serves as a fast digital to print color reference for designers working across multiple mediums.

Bidirectional: HEX → RGB → CMYK and back in any direction
Live colour swatch preview updates as you type
Copy button for each format: hex string, CSS rgb(), and CMYK percentages
Shows named CSS colour if the hex value matches a standard CSS named colour

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does converting RGB to CMYK and back not give exactly the same RGB value?

The mathematical conversion from RGB to CMYK is not a perfect round-trip. Floating-point rounding and the different colour spaces mean you often get values off by 1–2 units. For production print work, use ICC profiles in Photoshop or Illustrator rather than mathematical conversion.

What does the K in CMYK stand for?

K stands for Key, meaning the Key colour - black. "Key" refers to the key plate in printing that carries the detail and sharpness of the image. Using black ink separately gives cleaner blacks than mixing CMY.

Can I convert CSS colours for use in print?

Yes, but remember that the conversion is approximate. Very saturated or vivid RGB colours may fall outside the CMYK printable gamut. Always review the CMYK values with your print provider before finalising.

What are "out-of-gamut" colours?

Colours that exist in RGB but cannot be reproduced in CMYK are called out-of-gamut. They are typically very bright, highly saturated colours. Print software will substitute the nearest printable colour, which may look noticeably different.

Whether you're prepping a logo for a brochure or a flyer, this utility simplifies your workflow. For more design options, see also the Colour Name Finder, HEX Color Picker, and HSL to RGB converter. Bookmark this CMYK converter for a fast, free online RGB to CMYK tool whenever you need print values.

CMYK is the standard colour model for print design. Converting RGB or hex web colours to CMYK before sending artwork to print avoids colour surprises - screens use additive light mixing while printers use subtractive ink mixing, so the same value produces different results. Always verify a physical proof before committing to a large print run. This CMYK Converter handles the standard formula and is accurate for most commercial printing workflows.

CMYK Converter online

Convert between CMYK, RGB, and Hex colour formats with live preview - runs in your browser