RGB to CMYK Converter

The RGB to CMYK converter turns screen colors like rgb(59, 130, 246) into print values like cmyk(76%, 47%, 0%, 4%). RGB is an additive model that mixes light on a display, while CMYK is a subtractive model that mixes Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) inks on paper — so every design headed to print needs this step.

Expect some shift. RGB can display brighter, more saturated colors than CMYK inks can reproduce. Vivid screen colors often look more muted in print, so always proof critical colors with your printer's profile.

When You Need It

Print Materials

Prepare flyers, brochures, business cards, and posters for a commercial press that prints in CMYK.

Brand Specs

Document a brand color in CMYK alongside its RGB and HEX values for consistent reproduction.

Pre-Press Prep

Get an approximate CMYK breakdown before exporting artwork to a print-ready file.

How to Convert RGB to CMYK

Enter the RGB Values

Type your three channels — for example 59, 130, 246. Separate them with commas or spaces, or wrap them in rgb(...).

Read the CMYK Output

The four CMYK percentages are calculated instantly, and the live swatch shows the on-screen color for reference.

Or Pick a Color

Click the preview swatch to open the native color picker and choose a color visually — the RGB and CMYK fields fill in for you.

Copy & Reuse

Copy the CMYK values for your layout software. The panel below also shows HEX, RGB, HSL, and HSV.

Features

Additive vs Subtractive Color

Aspect	RGB (screen)	CMYK (print)
Model	Additive (mixes light)	Subtractive (mixes ink)
Channels	Red, Green, Blue	Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black
Range	0–255 each	0–100% each
White is	All channels on	No ink (bare paper)
Gamut	Wider, more vivid	Narrower, muted highs

Instant Conversion

CMYK percentages update live as you type, fully in your browser.

All Formats at Once

HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK shown together for every color.

This tool uses the standard mathematical RGB-to-CMYK formula. It gives a reliable starting point, but exact print output depends on the press, paper, and ICC color profile your printer uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need CMYK?

CMYK is the standard color model for printing. Presses lay down Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black inks to reproduce colors on paper, so digital designs must be translated to CMYK before printing.

Will the printed color match my screen?

Not exactly. RGB has a wider color gamut than CMYK, so some bright, saturated screen colors cannot be reproduced with ink and will appear more muted in print.

What does the K in CMYK stand for?

K stands for "Key" — the black plate. It is used instead of B to avoid confusion with the Blue channel in RGB, and black ink adds depth and detail more cheaply than mixing the other three.

Is this conversion print-accurate?

It uses the standard mathematical formula, which is a solid approximation. True print-accurate values require an ICC profile matched to a specific press and paper, so treat the result as a strong starting point.

Why is pure black sometimes 0,0,0,100 instead of 100,100,100,100?

Because the Key channel handles black directly. Using only K for black (instead of stacking all four inks) saves ink and avoids a soggy, over-saturated print — that is the whole point of having a K channel.