CMYK to RGB Converter
Free, accurate, and instant conversion. Preview your color in real-time on digital and print mockups.
Source Input CMYK
/* CSS Variable */ --color-primary: #000000; /* Standard */ color: #000000; background-color: #000000;
What is CMYK to RGB Conversion?
CMYK to RGB conversion is the process of translating colors from the print world to the digital screen. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) is a subtractive color model used in physical printing, where inks absorb light from white paper. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model used by screens, where light is emitted to create colors.
This fundamental difference means that colors behave differently in each medium. A design that looks perfect on your monitor may appear duller when printed, and conversely, a beautiful print piece might look unexpectedly vibrant on screen. Understanding and managing this conversion is essential for designers, marketers, and anyone working across print and digital media.
Our converter uses the standard mathematical formula to translate CMYK percentages into RGB values (0-255). While no conversion can be perfect due to the different color gamuts, this tool provides the mathematically correct translation that serves as the best starting point for your cross-media projects. All processing happens instantly in your browser—your color data never leaves your device.
Key Concepts
The Gamut Warning
Why does your neon green logo look dull on a business card?
Screens can display millions of bright, saturated colors that physical ink simply cannot reproduce. This is called "Out of Gamut." Our tool helps you check if your colors are traversing this gap safely.
The "Rich Black" Secret
Never use just 100% Black (0,0,0,100) for large backgrounds. It will look charcoal grey.
Use our Rich Black Preset (60,40,40,100). By adding other inks, you create a deeper, truer black. Use standard black only for small text to avoid registration issues.
How to Use This Converter
Enter CMYK Values
Input your Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black percentages (0-100) from your print file or brand guidelines.
View RGB Result
See the converted RGB values instantly along with the HEX code and a live color preview.
Copy & Use
Copy the HEX, RGB, or CSS code snippet to use directly in your web projects or design software.
Pro Tips for Print-to-Web Conversion
- • Always get the official CMYK values from your print vendor or brand guidelines—don't guess from a printed sample.
- • Expect colors to look brighter on screen—this is physics, not an error. Screens emit light; paper reflects it.
- • For critical brand colors, consider using Pantone's official cross-references rather than mathematical conversion alone.
- • Test your converted colors on multiple devices—phone screens, laptops, and monitors all display colors differently.
Who is This Tool For?
Web Developers
Received a print logo from a client? Convert the CMYK values to get accurate HEX codes for the website.
Print Designers
Preview how your print designs will look on digital platforms before handoff to web teams.
Brand Managers
Maintain color consistency across all touchpoints—from business cards to the company website.
App Developers
Get RGB integer values for Swift, Kotlin, or Flutter from existing print brand assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do accurate CMYK conversions look bright?
By moving from ink (reflected light) to pixels (emitted light), you are adding energy. Even dull print colors will appear slightly brighter on a backlit screen. This is normal physics.
Why use CMYK for print if RGB is better?
RGB isn't 'better', it's just 'bright'. We use CMYK for print because it's cheaper and more practical to print with 4 distinct ink cartridges than to try and mix light-emitting phosphors on paper.
How does the formula work?
First, we convert the percentages to a 0-1 scale. Then we treat the ink as a filter for white light: Red = (1 - Cyan) * (1 - Black), and so on.
Why is there no 'Black' channel in RGB?
RGB starts with Black (darkness). You add light to create color. CMYK starts with White (paper). You add ink to create darkness. In RGB, black is simply the absence of all three colors (0, 0, 0).
Is this useful for Web Design?
Yes. If your client has a print logo, you need to find the correct RGB equivalent for their website header. This tool gives you the mathematically correct starting point.
Can I trust the on-screen preview?
The preview is accurate to how the inputs would look on a screen. It can never perfectly simulate how ink looks on texture or uncoated paper, but it is the best digital approximation.
What is RGB vs sRGB?
RGB is a general model. sRGB (Standard RGB) is the specific profile used by the web. Our tool outputs standard sRGB values compatible with all browsers.
How do I convert Rich Black to RGB?
Rich Black (e.g., 60, 40, 40, 100) blocks almost all reflected light. In RGB, this converts to something very close to 0, 0, 0 (Pure Black) or a very deep charcoal.
Will my 100% Cyan match the screen Cyan?
No. Print Cyan (100,0,0,0) is closer to a deep sky blue. Screen Cyan (#00FFFF) is a neon electric blue. The screen version is much more intense.
Can I use RGB for a billboard?
Only if it is a digital LED billboard! If it is a printed vinyl billboard, you must use CMYK files to ensure the large swaths of color print correctly.
What is color gamut and why does it matter?
Color gamut refers to the range of colors that can be displayed or printed. Screens (RGB) have a wider gamut than printers (CMYK). Some vibrant screen colors simply cannot be reproduced in print, which is why designs may look different when printed.
How do I ensure my brand colors look consistent across print and web?
Start with your official Pantone or CMYK values for print, then use this converter to get the RGB equivalent for web. Document both values in your brand guidelines. For critical colors, always do a physical print test.