RGB to CMYK Converter

Need print-ready colors from your screen colors? Type your RGB values below and get CMYK instantly, or flip the converter around and go from CMYK back to RGB. It is free, needs no sign-up, and works right in your browser.

RGB to CMYK
Mode: RGB → CMYK

RGB (Screen) 0 – 255
Click to Swap
CMYK (Print) 0.000 – 1.000
0.0%
71.5%
71.5%
6.3%
Screen RGB
CMYK Print Sim
Gamut: ✓ Print Gamut Safe
Hex: #EF4444
TIC (Coverage): 149%
Print Presets:
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How to convert RGB to CMYK

Step 1: Enter your color

Type the R, G and B values (0–255) into the top row. Starting from CMYK? Use the arrow icon in the middle to swap.

Step 2: Swap direction if needed

Only the top row is editable. Click the arrow icon to make the CMYK row the input instead.

Step 3: Read the result

The other row updates as you type, and the page background shows your color. CMYK values appear as fractions from 0 to 1.
Color swatches showing an RGB to CMYK conversion for print design

What is CMYK?

CMYK is the color model behind almost everything you hold in your hands: flyers, magazines, packaging, business cards. It stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black), and it is subtractive. You start with white paper and every layer of ink absorbs more light, so colors get darker as you add them.

Why a separate black? Mixing cyan, magenta and yellow gives a muddy brown rather than a true black, and it uses a lot of ink. A dedicated black ink gives crisper text and deeper shadows for less money.

What is RGB?

RGB is the additive model used by monitors, phones and TVs. Each pixel mixes red, green and blue light, and each channel runs from 0 to 255. All three at full strength make white, none at all gives black, and equal amounts make a gray.

Because screens emit light rather than reflect it, RGB can produce vivid, glowing colors that ink on paper simply cannot match. That is exactly why a design can look different once it is printed.

RGB: light adds up to whiteCMY: ink darkens toward black

RGB vs CMYK: what actually changes?

Design on screen, print on paper: that is the whole story. You usually work in RGB because monitors show it best, then convert to CMYK so the printer can reproduce the file. Skip that step and the press does the conversion for you, often with flat, faded results you did not approve.

RGBCMYK
Type of mixingAdditive (light)Subtractive (ink)
ChannelsRed, green, blueCyan, magenta, yellow, black
Value range0–255 per channel0–100% (0–1 here)
Best forScreens, web, video, appsPrint: flyers, posters, packaging
Color rangeWider, brighterNarrower, softer

If your brand uses a punchy neon green or electric blue, expect the biggest shift. Checking the CMYK values early lets you pick a print-safe alternative before anything goes to the press.

Changing RGB to CMYK without surprises

The conversion works in one direction far better than the other. Going to CMYK trims the brightest colors to what ink can reproduce. Going back to RGB cannot restore them, because that information is already gone. So always keep your original RGB file and make CMYK copies for print.

The formula behind the tool

The converter uses the standard mathematical method, with R, G and B scaled to 0–1:

K = 1 − max(R, G, B)
C = (1 − R − K) ÷ (1 − K)
M = (1 − G − K) ÷ (1 − K)
Y = (1 − B − K) ÷ (1 − K)

This is a quick, transparent conversion. It does not apply an ICC profile for a specific paper or press, so use it for fast checks and planning, then let your design software and printer handle the final proof.

Common colors converted

ColorRGBCMYK (C, M, Y, K)
Red255, 0, 00, 1, 1, 0
Green0, 255, 01, 0, 1, 0
Blue0, 0, 2551, 1, 0, 0
Orange255, 165, 00, 0.353, 1, 0
Mid gray128, 128, 1280, 0, 0, 0.498
White255, 255, 2550, 0, 0, 0
Black0, 0, 00, 0, 0, 1

Tips for print-ready color

  • Convert near the end of your workflow and keep the RGB original.
  • Ask your printer for their ICC profile and preferred color settings.
  • Use soft proofing in your design app to preview the print result.
  • Check total ink coverage; many presses limit it to roughly 240–300% depending on the paper.

Which software can convert RGB to CMYK?

Almost every serious graphics app can. In Photoshop use Image → Mode → CMYK Color, in Illustrator and InDesign use File → Document Color Mode, and in Inkscape, GIMP, Affinity or CorelDRAW use the color mode or export options. Whichever you pick, work from the RGB master and preview the result before sending files to print.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

RGB mixes red, green and blue light and is used by screens. CMYK mixes cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink and is used for print. RGB can show brighter, more saturated colors than ink can reproduce.

How do I convert RGB to CMYK?

Enter the R, G and B values (0–255) in the top row. The converter fills in C, M, Y and K straight away. Click the arrow icon to work the other way, from CMYK to RGB.

Why are the CMYK results between 0 and 1 instead of percentages?

The tool shows CMYK as fractions. Multiply by 100 to get percentages, so 0.353 means 35.3%.

Is the conversion exact for printing?

It uses the standard mathematical formula, which is great for quick checks and design work. Professional print output depends on the paper, inks and ICC profile, so use your design software and ask your printer for their profile when color accuracy matters.

Why do my colors look duller in CMYK?

Ink cannot reproduce every color a screen can. Bright, saturated greens, blues and oranges are the most affected, so they shift toward a softer shade.

Can I convert CMYK back to RGB without losing quality?

You can calculate the values, but colors already clipped during an RGB-to-CMYK conversion do not come back. Keep your original RGB file as the master.

Does this converter store or upload my colors?

No. The calculation runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to a server.

Which software can convert RGB to CMYK?

Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Affinity, CorelDRAW, Inkscape and GIMP all can, usually through a color mode or export setting.

Working with images too? Try our color vector converter or browse more free tools.

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