Easily convert RGB to CMYK with our fast and accurate online color converter tool. Just enter your Red, Green, and Blue values (RGB), and the converter instantly provides the correct CMYK output used for printing. Perfect for designers, printers, and anyone who needs precise color conversion from digital screens (RGB) to print-ready formats (CMYK).
Understand how to convert RGB to CMYK using the full RGB to CMYK conversion formula. This guide explains what RGB and CMYK color models are and how they differ for screen and print design.
RGB to CMYK Color Converter With Conversion Formula
RGB to CMYK color conversion
Converting RGB to CMYK is essential when preparing digital colors for print. The conversion is necessary because printers use CMYK inks. Without proper conversion and color profile management, vibrant screen colors (RGB) can appear dull or inaccurate when printed (CMYK), a phenomenon known as color shift. Most designers rely on professional tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, which include built-in color profiles, or they use mathematical formulas to accurately calculate the CMYK percentages.
How to Convert RGB to CMYK
What is RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue—a color model used for digital displays such as mobile screens, laptops, TVs, and cameras.
Each RGB color is created by mixing varying intensities of red, green, and blue light.
Where RGB is used:
Websites
Mobile apps
Digital graphics
LED screens
Projectors
RGB is an additive color model, meaning colors are created by adding light.
What is CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black)—a color model used for printing purposes such as flyers, posters, magazines, packaging, and brochures.
Where CMYK is used:
Digital printing
Offset printing
Packaging design
Paper-based materials
CMYK is a subtractive color model, meaning colors are created by removing light using ink.
Why Convert RGB to CMYK
You should convert RGB to CMYK when a design created on-screen needs to be printed.
Since printers cannot print RGB colors directly, the conversion ensures the final output matches your design as closely as possible.
RGB to CMYK color conversion formula
Below is the complete RGB to CMYK conversion formula explained step-by-step.
1. RGB Values
Convert R, G, B from the 0–255 range to the 0–1 range.
R' = R / 255
G' = G / 255
B' = B / 255
2. Key (Black) Calculation :
K = 1 − max(R', G', B')
3. Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow Calculation (CMY):
If K = 1 (meaning color is pure black), then:
C = 0, M = 0, Y = 0
Otherwise:
C = (1 − R' − K) / (1 − K)
M = (1 − G' − K) / (1 − K)
Y = (1 − B' − K) / (1 − K)
RGB to CMYK Color Table
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