Convert RGB to CMYK for Accurate Print Colors – Free Online Tool

Screens mix light; presses mix ink. Convert between RGB, Hex, and CMYK with a live preview — and see the shift before your printer does.

Both directions: RGB → CMYK and CMYK → RGB

Hex input supported (#E91E63 works)

Live color preview with every conversion

How to convert RGB to CMYK

Choose the direction

RGB → CMYK for print prep; CMYK → RGB to preview a print color on screen.

Enter your color

RGB values (0–255), a hex code, or CMYK percentages — whichever you have.

Copy the values

Converted values plus a live swatch, instantly — paste into your design file.

Common colors: RGB, Hex & CMYK chart

The conversions designers look up most — formula values, ready to paste.

Color	RGB	Hex	CMYK (%)
Pure Red	255, 0, 0	#FF0000	0, 100, 100, 0
Pure Green	0, 255, 0	#00FF00	100, 0, 100, 0
Pure Blue	0, 0, 255	#0000FF	100, 100, 0, 0
Orange	255, 165, 0	#FFA500	0, 35, 100, 0
Purple	128, 0, 128	#800080	0, 100, 0, 50
Pink	255, 192, 203	#FFC0CB	0, 25, 20, 0
Brown	165, 42, 42	#A52A2A	0, 75, 75, 35
Gray	128, 128, 128	#808080	0, 0, 0, 50
White	255, 255, 255	#FFFFFF	0, 0, 0, 0
Black	0, 0, 0	#000000	0, 0, 0, 100

The blacks: what "black" should you actually print?

The question every new print buyer gets wrong once. The formula conversion of RGB black gives

0/0/0/100 — but that's not always what you want.

Black type	CMYK	Use for
Standard black (K-only)	0, 0, 0, 100	Body text, fine lines — crisp, no registration risk
Rich black	60, 40, 40, 100	Large solid areas, backgrounds — deeper, denser black
Cool black	60, 0, 0, 100	Rich black with a blue undertone
Warm black	0, 60, 30, 100	Rich black with a red-brown undertone
Never: registration black	100, 100, 100, 100	Nothing — more ink than paper holds; smearing and drying problems

Text / Book paper

GSM	LBS (Text)	Typical use
74 gsm	50 lb	Book pages, inserts
89 gsm	60 lb	Flyers, manuals
104 gsm	70 lb	Brochures
118 gsm	80 lb	Premium brochures
148 gsm	100 lb	Posters, quality flyers

Cover paper

GSM	LBS (Cover)	Typical use
176 gsm	65 lb	Light cardstock
216 gsm	80 lb	Covers, postcards
270 gsm	100 lb	Business cards
300 gsm	~111 lb	Premium cards
352 gsm	130 lb	Heavy cards, packaging

Bond / Writing paper

GSM	LBS (Bond)	Typical use
60 gsm	16 lb	Economy copy paper
75 gsm	20 lb	Standard office paper
90 gsm	24 lb	Letterhead
105 gsm	28 lb	Premium letterhead
120 gsm	32 lb	Heavy correspondence

Why colors shift: RGB displays a wider gamut than CMYK inks can physically reproduce — vivid blues, greens, and neons shift most. And one honest note: this tool (like most converters and design apps) uses the standard formula conversion; the exact printed color also depends on your press's ICC profile, paper, and inks. For color-critical work, ask your printer for a proof.

RGB to CMYK FAQs

What is RGB?

Red, Green, Blue — the additive color model screens use. Colors are made by mixing light: all three at full strength make white.

Why convert RGB to CMYK for print?

Presses print with Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) inks. RGB files get converted somewhere in the workflow anyway — converting yourself means you see and control the shift instead of discovering it on the finished piece.

What happens if I print without converting?

The press or RIP converts automatically, with no preview for you. Vivid RGB colors can come out noticeably duller. Converting first removes the surprise.

Will my colors look different after converting?

Often slightly, sometimes noticeably. RGB displays colors CMYK inks can't reproduce. Neon and saturated colors shift most; muted tones convert nearly 1:1.

How does RGB differ from CMYK?

RGB is additive (mixing light, screens — more = brighter); CMYK is subtractive (mixing inks that absorb light, presses — more = darker). RGB also has the wider gamut.

Why do colors look dull after conversion?

The RGB color sits outside the CMYK gamut, so conversion picks the nearest printable color. For critical brand colors, consider a Pantone spot color or adjust toward printable tones.