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RGB to CMYK Converter

Convert RGB values to CMYK percentages for print. Enter red, green and blue and get cyan, magenta, yellow and key values with a live swatch and copy button.

CMYK

cmyk(0%, 60%, 100%, 0%)
0%
Cyan
60%
Magenta
100%
Yellow
0%
Key (black)

What is the RGB to CMYK Converter?

The RGB to CMYK Converter turns screen color values into the cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) percentages used for printing.

  • Converts RGB to CMYK percentages
  • Paste an rgb() string to auto-fill channels
  • Cyan, magenta, yellow and key output
  • Live color swatch preview
  • Copyable cmyk() string
  • Free and fully client-side

How to use the RGB to CMYK Converter

  1. 1

    Enter the R, G and B values (0–255), or paste an rgb() string.

  2. 2

    Read the C, M, Y and K percentages.

  3. 3

    Check the live swatch to confirm the color.

  4. 4

    Copy the cmyk() string with one click.

About the RGB to CMYK Converter

The RGB to CMYK Converter turns screen color values into the cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black) percentages used for printing. Screens build color by adding light (RGB) while printers build it by layering inks that subtract light (CMYK), so this conversion is the essential bridge when taking a design from monitor to paper.

Enter your R, G and B channels (0–255) or paste an rgb() string, and the tool shows the four CMYK percentages with a live swatch and a copyable cmyk() string. It uses the standard conversion formula, giving you a dependable starting point before final tuning against a printer's color profile.

All conversion runs locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, no sign-up is needed, and it works offline once loaded.

Frequently asked questions

How do you convert RGB to CMYK?

Normalize each RGB channel to a 0–1 range. Key (black) is 1 minus the largest of the three. Then cyan is (1 − red − K) / (1 − K), and magenta and yellow follow the same pattern with green and blue. The four results are expressed as percentages from 0 to 100.

Why do RGB colors look duller after converting to CMYK?

The CMYK ink gamut is smaller than the RGB screen gamut, so vivid colors — especially bright greens, blues and oranges — get pulled to the nearest printable value and appear less saturated. This is a physical limitation of ink, not an error in conversion.

Is this RGB-to-CMYK conversion print-accurate?

It provides a consistent mathematical estimate. Professional printing uses ICC color profiles tuned to a specific press, ink and paper for exact results, so use this tool to get close and rely on your print shop's profile and a proof for critical color.

What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

RGB is additive and used by screens: red, green and blue light combine to make white. CMYK is subtractive and used in print: cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks absorb light, and combining them trends toward black. Screens and printers therefore reproduce color very differently.

Should I design in RGB or CMYK?

Design in RGB for anything shown on screens — websites, apps, video and social media. Switch to CMYK when the final output is physical print, and convert or check your colors before sending files to a printer to avoid surprises.

Guides for RGB to CMYK Converter

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