Print colors
RGB to CMYK Converter – HEX to CMYK Values
Convert RGB, HEX or HSL colors to CMYK percentages for print. See cyan, magenta, yellow and black values, total ink coverage and every web color format.
These are device-independent CMYK values, the numbers most references quote. For press work, convert with your printer’s ICC profile in your layout app.
Color formats
How to use this tool
Screens mix light (RGB) while printers mix ink (CMYK). Paste any web color to get the device-independent CMYK percentages that most color references quote, together with total ink coverage and the HEX, RGB and HSL equivalents.
- 1 Enter a HEX, RGB, HSL or CSS color name.
- 2 Read the C, M, Y and K percentages.
- 3 Copy the CMYK value or another color format.
Frequently asked questions
How is RGB converted to CMYK?
K is 1 minus the brightest RGB channel; C, M and Y are the remaining amounts of each channel divided by (1 − K). The result is a device-independent approximation.
Why does my printed color look different?
Printers, papers and inks cover a smaller range of colors than screens. Vivid RGB colors, especially bright blues and greens, often cannot be printed exactly. Use your printer’s ICC profile for final files.
What is total ink coverage?
The sum of the four percentages. Many presses limit it to around 300% or less, so very dark colors are usually built with less than 400% ink.
Can I convert CMYK back to HEX?
Yes. Use the CMYK to HEX converter to enter percentages and get HEX, RGB and HSL values.