HEX to CMYK Converter

Convert any HEX screen color to print-ready CMYK values. Get cyan, magenta, yellow and black percentages instantly — useful for preparing designs for print.

Enter a 3-digit or 6-digit HEX code. The leading # is optional.

Converted Values

HEX#155EEF
RGBrgb(21, 94, 239)
HSLhsl(215, 84%, 51%)
CMYKcmyk(91%, 61%, 0%, 6%)

What Is HEX to CMYK Conversion?

HEX to CMYK conversion translates a screen color (hexadecimal code) into the subtractive color model used in print. HEX colors define amounts of red, green and blue light; CMYK colors define amounts of cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink.

Because screen and print use fundamentally different color spaces (additive light vs subtractive pigment), the conversion is approximate. OmniColor uses the standard RGB-to-CMYK formula, which gives an accurate starting point for print design but does not replace professional color management with ICC profiles.

How HEX to CMYK Works

The HEX code is first converted to RGB channels (0–255), then normalized to 0–1. The black key channel is 1 − max(R,G,B). Cyan, magenta and yellow are then derived from the remaining color after black is removed.

#155EEF → rgb(21, 94, 239)
Normalized: R=0.082, G=0.369, B=0.937

K = 1 - max(R,G,B)      = 1 - 0.937 = 0.063 → 6%
C = (1-R-K)/(1-K)        = (0.918 - 0.063)/0.937 = 0.912 → 91%
M = (1-G-K)/(1-K)        = (0.631 - 0.063)/0.937 = 0.606 → 61%
Y = (1-B-K)/(1-K)        = (0.063 - 0.063)/0.937 = 0.000 → 0%

Result: cmyk(91%, 61%, 0%, 6%)

HEX vs CMYK — Key Differences

  • HEX: Additive (light-based). Used for screens. Millions more colors than CMYK.
  • CMYK: Subtractive (ink-based). Used for print. Smaller gamut than RGB/HEX.
  • Color shift: Bright RGB colors (like saturated blues and neon greens) cannot always be reproduced in CMYK.
  • Best practice: Design in RGB, but test CMYK conversions before printing.

When to Use HEX to CMYK Conversion

  • Print design: Converting brand colors from web to printed materials.
  • Packaging: Bringing digital assets into production-ready files.
  • Business cards and letterheads: Ensuring brand consistency across media.
  • Print-on-demand: Checking whether your screen colors will reproduce.

Frequently Asked Questions