The short answer
Why use RGB to CMYK?
A print shop or a business card form may ask for CMYK when you only have the RGB values of a logo. This gives a quick starting point without design software.
Black is set by the brightest of the three channels: K is one minus the largest value as a fraction. Cyan, magenta, and yellow then cover what is left. The fields start at 200, 30, and 75. Results are rounded to whole percentages, and pure black, 0, 0, 0, gives 0, 0, 0, 100.
This is the textbook formula with no ink limit and no color profile. A press uses a profile that may add cyan, magenta, and yellow under black and keep total ink below about 300%. Bright screen colors such as vivid green or electric blue cannot be printed exactly, and the numbers here do not warn you about that.
CMYK to RGB goes the other way, which is handy for checking a round trip. Solid Color makes an image filled with the color for a mockup or a slide. Copy text puts the result on your clipboard, and Download result saves the CMYK and hex lines as a text file.
Where RGB to CMYK fits
Business cards
Get CMYK values for a logo color before ordering cards.
Print forms
Fill in the CMYK fields a print shop asks for.
Merch orders
Give a T-shirt printer ink values for your brand color.
Start to finish
How to use RGB to CMYK
- 01Tap Open editor.
- 02Type Red, Green, and Blue from 0 to 255; the fields start at 200, 30, and 75.
- 03Read the CMYK percentages and hex code, then tap Copy text or Download result.
What to expect from RGB to CMYK
| Check | What it means here |
|---|---|
| Supported input | No upload required |
| Main controls | Labeled number fields for the formula |
| Output | The answer and the values it came from |
| Working limit | No file needed; inputs are kept to realistic ranges |
RGB to CMYK tips
- Split a hex code into three pairs to get the numbers to type.
- Pure black, 0 0 0, comes out as 0, 0, 0, 100.
- Very bright screen greens and blues cannot be printed exactly.
- Send the printer your RGB value too and let them apply their profile.
RGB to CMYK FAQ
Something missing? Ask us.
Can I paste a hex code?
Why is cyan 0 for my red color?
Does RGB to CMYK upload my file?
Is RGB to CMYK free to use?
Why did RGB to CMYK fail or look wrong?
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