HEX to CMYK Converter

Convert HEX to CMYK

Convert HEX codes like #FF5733 into CMYK values like cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)—fast, private, and right in your browser.

• Paste a single HEX color or a whole palette
• Use one color per line for batch conversion
• Copy your CMYK results instantly

---

Quick start

1. Paste your HEX color(s) into the input.
2. Use one color per line.
3. Copy the CMYK results.

Single color

Input:

#FF5733

Output:

cmyk(0%, 66%, 80%, 0%)

Palette / batch conversion

Input:

#FF00FF
#00FFFF
#262626

Output (example):

cmyk(0%, 100%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(100%, 0%, 0%, 0%)
cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 85%)

CMYK conversions are typically approximations. Small differences are normal depending on how CMYK is interpreted.

---

What HEX means

HEX is a compact way to store screen colors (RGB) as a single token:

• #RRGGBB

Each pair is one channel:

• RR = red
• GG = green
• BB = blue

Shorthand HEX

You’ll also see 3-digit shorthand:

• #fff expands to #ffffff

Same color—just shorter.

HEX is widely used for:

• CSS variables and design tokens
• Tailwind / design system configs
• storing palettes in JSON/YAML
• quick copy/paste across tools

---

What CMYK means (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

CMYK is a subtractive color model used in printing.

• C = Cyan
• M = Magenta
• Y = Yellow
• K = Key (Black)

Why “subtractive”?

• Paper reflects light.
• Inks absorb (subtract) parts of that light.
• More ink usually means a darker result.

In real print workflows, CMYK values depend on:

• the ink set
• the paper stock
• press calibration
• an ICC profile (the rules that map colors)

---

Why HEX → CMYK is an approximation

HEX is effectively an sRGB screen value.

CMYK is device- and profile-dependent—the same CMYK percentages can print differently across presses and papers.

Mapping sRGB to CMYK without a specific ICC profile requires assumptions, so the results are best treated as:

• a quick starting point
• a preview for docs
• a rough handoff value

For print-critical work, use a color-managed workflow with the correct ICC profile in your design tool.

---

How HEX → CMYK conversion works

Conceptually, the converter does this for each line:

1. Parse HEX into RGB channels
2. Convert RGB into CMYK percentages using a standard (profile-free) method
3. Format the result as cmyk(c%, m%, y%, k%)

Because step (2) depends on assumptions, rounding and minor differences are expected.

---

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Extra spaces at the start/end of a line

Leading and trailing spaces are ignored.

✅ #FF5733

🚫 #FF5733

Missing the #

Use standard CSS-style HEX with the leading #:

✅ #111827

🚫 111827

Invalid length

HEX should be either 3 or 6 hex digits (plus the #):

✅ #fff, #ffffff

🚫 #ffff, #fffffff

Non-hex characters

HEX digits must be 0–9 or A–F:

✅ #12ABEF

🚫 #12ABEG

---

Practical uses

• Create print handoff values from web brand colors
• Build brand guidelines that show both HEX (web) and CMYK (print)
• Normalize palette docs across teams
• Get a quick estimate before doing a proper color-managed export

If you’re taking a web palette into print, HEX → CMYK gives you a fast, practical baseline—then you can refine it in your print workflow with the right ICC profile and proofs.