HEX to CMYK Color Converter

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About HEX and CMYK Colors

HEX (Hexadecimal) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) are essential color models used in different media - HEX for digital and CMYK for print.

HEX (Hexadecimal)

HEX codes are a compact way to represent RGB colors using a six-digit hexadecimal (base-16) notation, prefixed with #. Each pair of digits corresponds to the red, green, and blue components, with values from 00 to FF (equivalent to 0-255 in decimal). For instance, #FF0000 is pure red, and #FFFFFF is white. HEX is the standard color format for web design and digital media because of its compatibility with HTML/CSS and compact representation.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key)

CMYK is a subtractive color model used in color printing. It works by partially or entirely masking colors on a lighter background (usually white). Each component represents the amount of ink used (0-100%). Unlike RGB which adds light to create colors, CMYK subtracts light through ink absorption. For example, pure cyan is (100%, 0%, 0%, 0%), while black is (0%, 0%, 0%, 100%). CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB, which is why some bright digital colors can't be perfectly reproduced in print.

HEX to CMYK Conversion Process

  1. Convert the HEX code to RGB values (each component 0-255)
  2. Normalize the RGB values to the range 0-1 by dividing by 255
  3. Calculate the Key (black) component: K = 1 - max(R, G, B)
  4. Calculate the other components if K ≠ 1:
    • Cyan: C = (1 - R - K) / (1 - K)
    • Magenta: M = (1 - G - K) / (1 - K)
    • Yellow: Y = (1 - B - K) / (1 - K)
  5. Convert decimal values to percentages (0-100%)

Example #1

Convert pure red HEX #FF0000 to CMYK:

HEX = FF0000

RGB = (255, 0, 0)

K = 1 - (255/255) = 0

C = (1 - 1 - 0)/(1 - 0) = 0

M = (1 - 0 - 0)/(1 - 0) = 1 (100%)

Y = (1 - 0 - 0)/(1 - 0) = 1 (100%)

CMYK = (0%, 100%, 100%, 0%)

Example #2

Convert dark blue HEX #000080 to CMYK:

HEX = 000080

RGB = (0, 0, 128)

K = 1 - (128/255) ≈ 0.498

C = (1 - 0 - 0.498)/(1 - 0.498) ≈ 1 (100%)

M = (1 - 0 - 0.498)/(1 - 0.498) ≈ 1 (100%)

Y = (1 - 0.502 - 0.498)/(1 - 0.498) ≈ 0 (0%)

CMYK ≈ (100%, 100%, 0%, 50%)

Common HEX to CMYK Examples

  • #FFFFFF → (0%, 0%, 0%, 0%) (white)
  • #000000 → (0%, 0%, 0%, 100%) (black)
  • #FF0000 → (0%, 100%, 100%, 0%) (red)
  • #00FF00 → (100%, 0%, 100%, 0%) (green)
  • #0000FF → (100%, 100%, 0%, 0%) (blue)
  • #FFFF00 → (0%, 0%, 100%, 0%) (yellow)
  • #00FFFF → (100%, 0%, 0%, 0%) (cyan)
  • #FF00FF → (0%, 100%, 0%, 0%) (magenta)

CMYK is the standard color model for professional printing. Understanding HEX to CMYK conversion is essential when preparing digital designs for print production, as colors often appear differently in print than on screen due to the different color models and gamuts.

HEX to CMYK FAQ

Why do my bright digital colors look dull when converted to CMYK?

This happens because CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB/HEX. Vibrant colors that can be displayed on screens (especially bright blues and greens) often can't be perfectly reproduced with ink. The conversion process finds the closest possible CMYK equivalent, which may appear more muted.

How can I ensure my colors look good in both digital and print?

For best results, design in CMYK if the final output will be printed, or use our converter to check how your HEX colors will look in CMYK. Consider using Pantone colors for critical brand colors that need to remain consistent across media. Always request a physical proof before large print runs.

Are there HEX colors that can't be converted to CMYK?

All HEX colors can be converted to CMYK, but some may appear significantly different because they're outside CMYK's gamut. This is particularly true for very bright or neon colors. Our converter will find the closest possible CMYK equivalent, but there may be noticeable color shifts.

When should I use HEX to CMYK conversion?

This conversion is essential when preparing digital designs for print production. It's also useful when you need to match web colors in printed materials or when creating designs that will be used across both digital and print media. Professional printers typically require artwork in CMYK format.